Metals with what type of crystal lattice less prone to brittle fracture?

In summary, metals with a crystal lattice, such as steel and tungsten, are less prone to brittle fracture due to their high ultimate tensile strength and density. Ductility and malleability also play a role in preventing brittle fracture, as they allow for deformation under tension and compression. Brittleness is the tendency for a material to fail under stress without plastic deformation.
  • #1
nocturnalgod
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Metals with what type of crystal lattice less prone to brittle fracture? Why?
 
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  • #2
What makes a metal ductile? What is the difference between ductile and brittle?
 
  • #3
Tensile strength...


Metals with what type of crystal lattice less prone to brittle fracture? Why?

My answer would be Steel (AISI 1060 0.6% carbon), because it has the highest ultimate tensile strength for a metallic lattice at 2,200-2,482 MPa and density 7.8 g/cm^3.

Tungsten is at 1,510 MPa and density 19.25 g/cm^3.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensile_strength#Typical_tensile_strengths"
 
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  • #4
Ductility occurs in materials where valence shell electrons are not rigidly bound and are thus shared. These electrons atoms to slide past each other without breaking. It occurs under tension.

Brittleness is the tendency of a material to fail under stress, usually tension, rather than deform. It's not normally applied to shear. Generally, if there is little or no plastic deformation before failure, the material is said to be brittle.

Malleability is similar, but not identical, as it involves deformation under compression. Gold, for example, is both ductile and malleable, but lead is only malleable.
 

1. What is a crystal lattice?

A crystal lattice is a repeating three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystal structure.

2. What is brittle fracture?

Brittle fracture is a type of fracture that occurs in materials with low ductility, causing them to break or shatter without undergoing significant plastic deformation.

3. Which type of crystal lattice is less prone to brittle fracture?

FCC (face-centered cubic) and HCP (hexagonal close-packed) crystal lattices are generally less prone to brittle fracture compared to BCC (body-centered cubic) and simple cubic lattices.

4. What are some examples of metals with FCC and HCP crystal lattices?

Examples of metals with FCC crystal lattice include aluminum, copper, gold, and silver. Metals with HCP crystal lattice include magnesium, titanium, and zinc.

5. How does crystal lattice affect the mechanical properties of metals?

The type of crystal lattice can greatly influence the mechanical properties of metals, including their ductility, toughness, and resistance to brittle fracture. FCC and HCP lattices tend to have higher ductility and toughness, making them less prone to brittle fracture.

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