ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fractography

Fractography is a scientific way of studying the way that things break. When something is made, it often has a pattern or shape, like a block of Legos. But when something breaks, that pattern and shape changes. Scientists use fractography to look at the pattern of the broken pieces to see why it broke and what kind of force was put on it. This helps scientists learn how to make better products that are stronger and won't break easily.