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Ductile and Brittle Metal Characteristics

Ductile metals experience observable plastic deformation prior to fracture.  Brittle metals experience little or no plastic deformation prior to fracture.  At times metals behave in a transitional manner - partially ductile/brittle.

Ductile fracture has dimpled, cup and cone fracture appearance.  The dimples can become elongated by a lateral shearing force, or if the crack is in the opening (tearing) mode.

Brittle fracture displays either cleavage (transgranular) or intergranular fracture. This depends upon whether the grain boundaries are stronger or weaker than the grains. 

The fracture modes (dimples, cleavage, or intergranular fracture) may be seen on the fracture surface and it is possible all three modes will be present of a given fracture face.

Schematics of typical tensile test fractures are displayed above.

Brittle Fractures

Brittle fracture is characterized by rapid crack propagation with low energy release and without significant plastic deformation.  The  fracture may have a bright granular appearance.  The fractures are generally of the flat type and chevron patterns may be present.  

Ductile Fractures

Ductile fracture is characterized by tearing of metal and significant plastic deformation.  The ductile fracture may have a gray, fibrous appearance.  Ductile fractures are associated with overload of the structure or large discontinuities.

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Last modified: September 11, 2007