A type of structural failure where the metal stretches, bends, or necks down significantly before breaking. This absorbs a large amount of energy and provides visible warning signs of impending failure. Under a microscope, the fracture surface typically shows a dimpled, cup-and-cone appearance caused by microvoid coalescence.
Heard on the job
The tensile test showed a classic ductile fracture, with the test bar necking down to half its diameter before snapping.