What does ductile mean in earth science?

When a metal is ductile, it can undergo large amounts of permanent deformation without cracking. This is because the metal has a great deal of plasticity. Ductile metals like iron, copper, and aluminum form into shapes when they are cold. They return to their original shape when heated.

What does ductile mean in physics?

Ductile is a measure of a material’s plasticity, or how well it can elongate without fracturing. This quality gives ductile metals, such as copper, their malleability, which allows them to be drawn into thinner wires and shapes.

What does ductility mean?

Ductility is a measure of how plastically deforming a material is under strain. A ductile material deforms more plastically under stress than an elastic material. A perfect example of a ductile material is lead. Lead will stretch almost twice as much as it will compress under the same amount of force. This property makes lead incredibly malleable and easy to mold.

What does the term ductile mean in engineering?

Ductile refers to how a metal deforms under stress. Some materials, like lead, can be stretched quite far without fracturing or cracking. Others, like stone, are brittle. When a piece of ductile metal is pulled in one direction, it stretches. If it is pulled in another direction, it will crack.

What is ductile iron?

Ductile iron is an alloy of iron with up to 2.5 percent carbon. It belongs to the family of iron-carbon alloys known as “bainitic steels.” These alloys have been used in construction since ancient times. In the early 20th century, automobile companies began using ductile iron in large quantities for car bodies. They were cost-effective and could be easily formed.