ductile-to-brittle transition

The ductile-to-brittle transition refers to a change in how materials, especially metals, behave at different temperatures. At higher temperatures, materials tend to deform easily and absorb energy without breaking, exhibiting ductility. However, as the temperature drops, some materials become brittle, meaning they break more easily without significant deformation. This transition is crucial in engineering and materials science because it influences how structures perform under various conditions, such as during cold weather. Understanding this transition helps prevent failures in buildings, bridges, and machinery.