Ductile fracture is a type of material failure characterized by significant plastic deformation before breaking. This process typically occurs in metals and is marked by the formation of voids or cavities within the material as it is stretched. These voids grow and coalesce, leading to a gradual separation of the material. Unlike brittle fracture, which happens suddenly and without warning, ductile fracture allows for some warning signs, such as visible deformation. This behavior is often desirable in engineering applications, as it provides an opportunity to detect issues before catastrophic failure occurs, ensuring safety and reliability in structures and components.