In engineering, what does the term "ductility" refer to?

Ductility in engineering refers to the ability of a material to deform under tensile stress. This property is crucial in materials used in construction and structural applications because it indicates how much a material can stretch or elongate before it ultimately fails. Ductile materials can undergo significant plastic deformation, making them more reliable in situations where they are subjected to tensile forces, such as in beams, columns, and other structural components.

Understanding ductility is vital for engineers, as it helps ensure that structures can absorb loads and withstand forces without sudden failure. For instance, in earthquake-prone areas, ductile materials can bend and absorb seismic energy, preventing catastrophic collapse. In contrast, materials that are brittle may fail suddenly without warning when tension forces are applied, which could pose significant risks in structural applications.