fracture
Definition
A fracture is a break in a solid object. It is caused by the forces acting on the object exceeding the strength of the material. Fractures can be classified into two main types: brittle and ductile.
Brittle fractures occur when the forces acting on the object are too great for the material to deform. The object breaks suddenly and cleanly.
Ductile fractures occur when the forces acting on the object are great enough to cause the material to deform plastically. The object bends and then breaks.
The type of fracture that occurs depends on the properties of the material and the forces acting on it. Brittle materials are more likely to fracture in a brittle manner, while ductile materials are more likely to fracture in a ductile manner.
Fractures can have a significant impact on the strength and performance of an object. A brittle fracture can cause an object to fail suddenly and catastrophically, while a ductile fracture can allow an object to deform and absorb energy before it fails.
How can the word be used?
The rock was fractured by the force of the impact.
Different forms of the word
Noun: fracture, fractures.
Adjective: fractured.
Verb: fracture, fractured, fracturing.
Etymology
The word "fracture" comes from the Latin word frāctus, which means "broken" or "divided". The Latin word frāctus is made up of the verb frangere, which means "to break", and the suffix -tus, which indicates a past participle.
Question
What is a fracture?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of fracture in materials and its significance in the study of material properties. Describe the different types of fractures, such as ductile and brittle fractures, and the factors that influence their occurrence. Provide real-life examples of materials that exhibit ductile and brittle fracture behaviours and their practical applications in engineering and construction.
Answer:
Fracture in materials refers to the process of breaking when subjected to stress or external forces. It is a crucial aspect in the study of material properties, helping to understand a material's strength, toughness, and behaviour under different conditions.
There are two primary types of fractures: ductile and brittle fractures. Ductile fractures occur in materials that can deform significantly before breaking, displaying plastic behaviour. On the other hand, brittle fractures happen in materials that break with minimal plastic deformation, exhibiting a sudden and catastrophic failure.
Real-life examples of ductile fracture can be seen in metals like copper and aluminium, which are used in construction and engineering due to their ability to withstand significant deformation before breaking. Brittle fractures are often observed in materials like glass and ceramics, where sudden and complete failure occurs without warning.
Understanding fracture behaviour is essential for designing reliable and safe materials and structures in various industries, ensuring the appropriate selection and use of materials to meet specific requirements and avoid catastrophic failures.