c


   
 
is change of material shape or size by the applied stress. From figure 1,
when the material is first subjected to external stress, it starts to deform elastically, if
the stress on the material is released, the
extension (strain) relaxes and the
material returns to its original length.
Beyond the yield point (point B), the
strain is no longer proportional to the
stress and the material deforms
plastically. The plastic deformation is
permanent, the material does not return
to its original length or shape. Plastic
deformation involves the breaking of a
limited number of atomic bonds by the
movement of dislocations. Since the
energy required is lowest along the
densest planes of atoms, dislocations have a preferred direction of travel within a
grain of the material.Eventually, the material fails and fractures at point D.
c   is a separation of a material into pieces due to stress, at temperatures below
melting point. There are two types of fractures, depending on the extent of the
materials¶ ability to undergo a plastic deformation before the fracture.


   - failure

is preceded by an extensive
plastic deformation. The
crack is ³stable´ as it resists
additional extension unless
the applied stress is
increased. The plastic
deformation tends to blunt
the tip of the crack. The
stress concentrating effect
is reduced. However,
further deformation creates
small cavities, which, after some time, link up.
This type of fracture is preferred by most application, as there is a warning before
material failure.

   ± there is little or no plastic deformation prior to failure. The crack is
µunstable¶ as it propagates quickly, even though the input energy is relatively low.
The crack is often propagates by breaking of inter-atomic bonds along specific
crystallographic planes (clevage.)
The mode of fractures largely depends on the nature and the condition of material, but
it is also affected by the rate of stress application, temperature and environmental
condition.

The stress and strain curve for both fracture

shows that the ductile material can absorbs a
considerable amount of energy and tolerate
extensive plastic deformation before fracture.
However, the brittle material has relatively
little plastic deformation before it cracks.