Failure Mechanisms

Failure mechanisms refer to the processes through which materials or systems can break down or cease to function effectively. Common examples include fatigue, where repeated stress weakens a material; corrosion, which is the gradual decay due to chemical reactions; and overload, where exceeding a material's capacity leads to failure. These mechanisms can occur due to environmental factors, design flaws, or improper use. Understanding them is vital to improve safety, enhance reliability, and extend the lifespan of structures, machines, and devices in everyday life.