High strength ceramic vs metals vs metal fiber composite

[pixelpuffin]

metals are generally considered more useful for high strength parts because ceramics break when exposed to sudden shock, but what about when a continuous force is applied to a ceramic and a metal of the same dimensions
by a high strength ceramic i mean a higher hardness than the metal (such as quartz or sapphire)
would the metal or the ceramic survive higher forces before deforming or breaking
also are there metal fiber composites that are stronger than high strength ceramics but still flex to avoid damage from shock

 

[Navin A S]

?The metal would likely survive higher forces before deforming or breaking because metals are more ductile than ceramics. Ceramics are more brittle and can break even under low stresses, whereas metals tend to bend or deform instead of breaking. Metal fiber composites such as steel and titanium reinforced with carbon fibers are often used for high strength parts as they combine the strength of metals with the flexibility of fibers. These materials are very resistant to shock damage because the fibers absorb much of the energy from the impact and help spread the force out over a larger area, preventing localized damage.