![Geological cracks The western region of Australia's Great Sandy Desert is an area almost devoid of sand, but characterized by complex geology.](/content/dam/images/science/materials-science-engineering/websites/2021-12-materials-online-tutorials/2021-12-crack-theory.cropimg.width=335.crop=video.jpg)
We don’t want engineering materials to fail because they can cause loss of life, economic loss or a loss of products or services. The usual causes of material failure are incorrect materials selection, incorrect processing, incorrect manufacturing procedures, inadequate design or incorrect use. Fracture is the separation of a body into two or more pieces as a result of an imposed stress.