In tensile testing of ductile materials, how does ductility vary with the percentage reduction in area measured at fracture?

Introduction / Context:
Ductility quantifies a material’s ability to undergo plastic deformation before fracture. Common measures include percentage elongation and percentage reduction in area (%RA) of the fractured specimen.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ductile material under a standard tensile test.
• % reduction in area = (A0 − Af) / A0 * 100% at the necked fracture section.
• Question asks the relation between ductility and %RA.

Concept / Approach:
A higher percentage reduction in area indicates greater plastic flow and necking before failure, which is the hallmark of higher ductility. Thus, ductility correlates positively with %RA.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Comparing specimens: one with greater necking (smaller Af) displays higher ductility as observed by both % elongation and %RA.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Decreases” or “remains the same” contradict the definition of %RA as a ductility measure.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing %RA with strength; %RA is not a strength metric but a plasticity indicator.

Final Answer:

Increases