American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ASME Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "ductile" in materials science refers to a material's ability to undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture. This characteristic allows materials to be stretched into wires without breaking, which is a direct application of ductility. While the term is often associated with the ability to be molded or shaped, the more precise definition involves a combination of pliability and strength under tensile stress.

Ductility is particularly important in construction and manufacturing, as it allows materials to absorb energies and deform rather than fracture under stress. This is essential for applications where materials are subjected to various forces, thereby helping to prevent sudden failures.

Understanding ductility is also crucial when selecting materials for specific applications. For instance, metals such as copper and aluminum are considered ductile because they can be easily drawn into wires and shaped into complex parts without losing integrity. This property is why ductility is often contrasted with brittleness, where a material can fracture with little deformation.

Hence, the fitting selection in this context illustrates the adaptability of materials in various engineering applications, emphasizing their ability to be shaped and formed while retaining useful mechanical properties.