Definitions for "FACTOR OF SAFETY"
The ratio of the ultimate breaking strength of the material to the force exerted against it. If a rope will break under a load of 6000 lbs., and it is carrying a load of 2000 lbs., its factor of safety is 6000 divided by 2000 which equals 3.
The ratio of the breaking strength of a line or material to the applied load.
the ratio of the breaking stress of a structure to the estimated maximum stress in ordinary use
a function of the capacity divided by the demand