brittle materials

Brittle materials are substances that break or shatter easily under stress, rather than bending or deforming. Common examples include glass, ceramics, and some metals, like cast iron. When subjected to forces such as pressure or impact, they reach a point where they can no longer withstand the stress and fail suddenly, often without warning. This contrasts with ductile materials, which can bend and stretch before breaking. Understanding brittleness is important in engineering and construction, as it helps ensure that structures and products are safe and reliable under expected loads and conditions.