ductile

Vocabulary Word

Definition

Think of a 'ductile' material as being a bit like chewing gum. You can stretch it into a new shape without it breaking or shattering. It's usually related to metals, like gold or silver.

Examples in Different Contexts

In the metal industry, 'ductile' metals are highly valued as they're versatile and can be used in multiple applications. A metallurgist might say, 'We need a ductile material for this intricate jewelry design.'

Practice Scenarios

Materials Science

Scenario:

We are examining various metallic samples in order to determine their deformation capabilities under tension.

Response:

I found that the nickel sample is pretty ductile and can withstand a good amount of tension.

Structural Engineering

Scenario:

In seismic prone areas, we need materials that can withstand high levels of strain without breaking.

Response:

Using ductile iron could be a potential solution for maintaining strength while achieving the ductility we need.