What is the difference between failure and fracture?

In summary, differentiating failure from fracture is important for understanding the cause of material degradation.
  • #1
Keval Patil
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How we can differentiate failure and fracture using Stress Strain Curve

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  • #2
Welcome to the PF. :smile:
Keval Patil said:
How we can differentiate failure and fracture using Stress Strain Curve
Well, a fracture is certainly a failure, but what other part of the Stress-Strain curve would denote a permanent bad change in the material? :wink:
 
  • #3
Material failure is defined as complete loss of load carrying capacity caused by stiffness degradation.

Fracture is more specific term. It refers to the separation of material into several pieces (crack/discontinuity).
 
  • #4
Welcome, Keval Patil :cool:
It is common in cases of metal fatigue, to have one or more lines of fracture in a part that still does not fail.

Please, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_(material)

Fig299_4.jpg
 
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  • #5
Here's a photo of a fracture that is not a failure:
P4070009.jpg

It's in the elevator of a Cessna 172. The holes at each end are stop drills for the purpose of preventing the crack from spreading. It's an old crack, at least several years old. If the crack was to spread too far, then it would be necessary to replace the panel. As it is, neither I nor the A&P-IA is concerned about it. But we are keeping an eye on it.

Here's a photo of several fractures that are spreading:
P4070010.jpg

It's from the wing skin from a different Cessna 172. This wing skin was removed and replaced because three of the cracks spread beyond the stop drills. The A&P who replaced it is not the one that signed off on it a year ago. This mechanic would probably have replaced it before it got this bad.

None of this comes from the stress-strain curve. The stress-strain curve is useful for describing the properties of a material in order to select a material for a particular application.

There are also cases where fracture is not a failure because the part is supposed to fracture. Search rupture disk and shear pin for examples.
 
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FAQ: What is the difference between failure and fracture?

What is the definition of failure in terms of materials science?

Failure in materials science refers to the point at which a material can no longer perform its intended function due to structural or mechanical damage.

How is fracture different from failure?

Fracture is a specific type of failure that occurs when a material breaks or separates into two or more pieces due to applied stress or force.

Can a material fail without fracturing?

Yes, a material can fail without fracturing if it becomes deformed or weakened to the point where it can no longer perform its intended function, but does not physically break or separate into pieces.

What factors can contribute to failure and fracture in materials?

There are several factors that can contribute to failure and fracture in materials, including applied stress or force, material properties such as strength and ductility, and environmental conditions such as temperature and corrosion.

How can failure and fracture be prevented in materials?

To prevent failure and fracture in materials, it is important to understand the material's properties and limitations, and to design and use it in a way that minimizes stress and potential damage. Proper maintenance, inspection, and testing can also help identify and address potential failures before they occur.

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