38.3. Ductile vs. Brittle Failure

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the primary characteristic of ductile failure?

   Hint

   Think about how much a material can bend before breaking.

2. 2.

   Name a common material that exhibits ductile failure.

   Hint

   Think about construction materials that can bend or twist without breaking.

3. 3.

   What characterizes ductile failure?

   • Sudden collapse
   • Significant deformation
   • No warning

   Hint

   Think about how much a material can bend.

4. 4.

   True or False: Brittle failure provides warnings before collapsing.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens when brittle materials break.

5. 5.

   A major earthquake causes a ductile structure to deform, but it remains standing, while a nearby brittle structure collapses. Assess the factors that might have influenced this outcome.

   Hint

   Consider how each material responds under stress.

6. 6.

   Design a simple model comparing ductile and brittle materials. Discuss how each would behave in an earthquake scenario.

   Hint

   Think of how shapes can enhance strength and flexibility.