Final answer:
The ability of a material to resist brittle fracture is typically assessed using an impact test specimen. Tensile strength refers to the stress level at which permanent deformation or fracture occurs, and impact tests measure the material's toughness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanical test used to determine the ability of a material to resist failure by brittle fracture typically involves an impact test specimen. When assessing the tensile strength of materials to resist fracture, it's critical to understand that it relates to the breaking stress that leads to permanent deformation or fracture. The impact test, such as the Charpy or Izod tests, measures the material's toughness or its ability to absorb energy before fracturing, which is associated with its resistance to brittle fracture. In contrast, a tensile test is used to measure the tensile strength and deformation of a material under tensile forces, a compression test measures the behavior under compressive forces, and a bend test assesses flexibility and ductility when a material is being bent.