What is toughness in engineering?

Toughness in engineering refers to a material's ability to absorb energy and deform plastically without fracturing. It is a combination of strength and ductility, indicating how well a material can withstand impact and stress. Tough materials can endure significant stress and strain before breaking, making them ideal for applications where high resistance to sudden forces is required. Toughness is often measured using impact tests, such as the Charpy or Izod tests.