What does toughness in materials refer to?

Toughness in materials specifically refers to their ability to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing. It combines strength and ductility, allowing materials to withstand significant stress before failing. This ability to resist fracture under stress is what distinguishes toughness, meaning a tough material can endure impacts or shocks without breaking, which links closely to resilience in real-world applications.

When considering the other options, resistance to high temperatures generally relates to thermal stability rather than toughness. Resistance to knocks and bumps, while it may seem relevant, is more specifically about impact resistance or durability, which does not fully encapsulate the concept of toughness. Lastly, resistance to abrasion pertains to wear and surface damage from friction or contact, separate from the idea of toughness that focuses on how a material behaves under stress and its capacity to deform without breaking.