Mechanical design is the design of a component for optimum size, shape, etc. against failure under the application of operational loads. A good design should also minimize the cost of material and cost of production. Failures that are commonly associated with mechanical components are broadly classified as:
(a) Failure by breaking of brittle materials and fatigue failure (when subjected to repetitive loads) of ductile materials.
(a) Failure by breaking of brittle materials and fatigue failure (when subjected to repetitive loads) of ductile materials.
(b) Failure by yielding of ductile materials, subjected to non-repetitive loads.
(c) Failure by elastic deformation.