Load (Mechanical Design)

In engineering design, a load refers to any force, pressure, or combination of forces applied to a structure or component. Loads can be static, meaning they are applied gradually and remain constant or change slowly over time, or dynamic, meaning they involve motion, impact, or fluctuating forces. The way a material or structure responds to a load depends on factors such as the magnitude, direction, duration, and distribution of the force. Loads can cause stress and deformation, and understanding them is crucial for designing components that can safely withstand real-world conditions without excessive deflection, yielding, or failure.