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Crack Deflection
vs
Crack Propagation

	Crack Deflection
This will occur when the interfacial fracture resistance is < 0.16 that of the bulk fracture resistance. It will toughen the material by increasing the crack path length and making the crack path more tortuous than it would otherwise be, thereby helping to increase the energy absorbed. σ σ 

	Crack Propagation
This will occur when the interfacial fracture resistance is relatively high, i.e., ≥ 0.16 that of the bulk fracture resistance. σ σ