What is "frangibility"

Frangibility \Fran`gi*bil"i*ty\, n. [Cf. F. frangibilit['e].] The state or quality of being frangible.
--Fox.

n. The state or quality of being frangible.

A material is said to be frangible if through deformation it tends to break up into fragments, rather than deforming elastically and retaining its cohesion as a single object. Common biscuits or crackers are examples of frangible materials, while fresh bread, which deforms elastically, is not frangible.

A structure is frangible if it breaks, distorts, or yields on impact so as to present a minimum hazard to the vehicle. A frangible structure is usually designed to be frangible and to be of minimum mass.