safety factor

• Terme technique désignant le rapport entre la résistance maximale d'un matériau ou d'un système et la charge ou contrainte attendue, utilisé en ingénierie et en conception pour garantir la fiabilité et prévenir les défaillances.

A technical term referring to the ratio of a material's or system's maximum strength to the expected load or stress, used in engineering and design to ensure reliability and prevent failure.

1. Engineering marginC1formal

   The ratio of a structure's or component's ultimate strength to the maximum expected load, ensuring safety.

   Coefficient de sécurité

   • The bridge was designed with a safety factor of 2.5.
   • Engineers must calculate the safety factor for all load-bearing components.
   • A higher safety factor provides greater reliability but increases cost.

2. Risk mitigation measureB2formal

   A precaution or buffer built into a process or system to reduce the likelihood of failure or harm.

   facteur de sécurité

   • The company added extra inventory as a safety factor against supply chain disruptions.
   • Having a backup generator is a safety factor for critical operations.
   • The safety factor in the budget allowed for unexpected expenses.