In aerodynamics, how is the load factor defined?

The load factor is defined as the ratio of the maximum load an aircraft can sustain to its gross weight. This ratio reflects how the aircraft performs under various maneuvers and conditions, directly affecting the aircraft's structural integrity and performance capabilities. When an aircraft is in a turn or experiencing acceleration, the load factor increases, meaning that the forces acting on the aircraft exceed its normal weight due to the effects of gravity and acceleration.

For example, during a sharp turn, the pilot may experience a load factor greater than 1, suggesting that the aircraft feels heavier than its actual weight due to the increased aerodynamic forces. This understanding is critical for pilots as it helps them anticipate the limits of the aircraft during operations, including assessing the risk of structural failure or considering the load limits during maneuvers.

The other definitions relate to aspects of flight dynamics but do not encapsulate the concept of load factor as it is primarily concerned with the relationship between maximum sustainable load and gross weight, making them less accurate for this specific term.