"cause breakdown" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a situation in which something has broken down as a result of another factor. For example: "The power outage was caused by a breakdown in the electrical grid."
This can cause breakdown (short-circuit) of the sheath voltage.
It can cause breakdown of clay particles and result in reduction of soil permeability.
Indeed, external forcing can cause breakdown even collapse in nervous system under appropriate condition.
Electron multipacting can cause breakdown in high RF power components like couplers and windows.
High electrical currents generate Joule heating and then cause breakdown of the BP in the air at over 400 °C due to rapid oxidation.
The AFM results showed that initially oxygen atoms/ions penetrate inside the bulk of the grains/surface and cause breakdown of the grains which leads to formation of smaller (needle-like) grains.
But, particularly for cars driven in cities, the DPFs can become clogged and cause breakdowns.
Unlike indoor mall or airport escalators, the units in the Metrorail face extreme temperatures that can cause breakdowns.
Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) have been compulsory in new diesel cars since 2009 but can become clogged and cause breakdowns, particularly for city drivers.
Still, the addition of Andrews, Petrus and Boothe alongside the remaining stalwarts can cause breakdowns in communication that would be unlikely to occur with the core group intact.
Low wages can cause breakdowns in family life, as parents are not able to spend enough time with their children when low paid workers are having to hold down two jobs.
