Plastics have become indispensable in modern life, valued for their versatility, affordability, and ease of manufacture. As their use expands across industries such as automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and construction, understanding their mechanical performance under various loading conditions becomes increasingly important. Despite their advantages, polymers are susceptible to damage and degradation over time, especially when subjected to sustained or repeated mechanical stresses. This study examines recent developments in fracture mechanics as applied to polymeric materials, with a focus on the need for precise design and sizing to ensure structural reliability in practical applications. A comprehensive understanding of how polymers respond to different mechanical loads, particularly in the presence of microstructural defects or environmental influences, is essential for predicting long-term performance and preventing premature failure. The research specifically investigates the mechanical behavior of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) under uniaxial tensile loading, emphasizing the role of damage accumulation in altering its mechanical properties.

To achieve this, the study employs experimental testing combined with advanced analytical techniques, including non-linear regression and damage modeling. These methods enable the identification of critical failure thresholds, providing valuable insights for maintenance planning, design optimization, and the development of more durable polymer-based components in engineering systems. Moreover, the results lay the groundwork for extending damage prediction models to other thermoplastic materials under similar loading conditions