Factor of Safety

Factor of Safety (FoS) is a measure used in engineering to ensure that structures or components can withstand stresses beyond their expected maximum loads. It is calculated by dividing the maximum strength or capacity of the material or structure by the actual anticipated load or stress. For example, an FoS of 2 means the structure can handle twice the expected load without failure. This provides a margin of safety to account for uncertainties, material imperfections, and unforeseen conditions, helping prevent accidents or failures in real-world use.