fracture in a brittle fashion.
White cast iron and gray cast iron are examples of brittle metals. Table B-3 lists the order of brittleness of several common elements and metals; (1) is the most brittle and (14) is the least brittle, or most ductile.
A characteristic of a metal or material that is the opposite of ductility. A brittle material is resistant to formation, not malleable, and easily cracked or broken. Brittle materials exhibit very little permanent deformation before fracture, and overloading in service causes sudden failure. Glass is an example of a brittle material; however, glass is somewhat elastic because it will bend a little and return to its original shape when the load is removed. If overloaded, it will