Determining the demands placed on a system, structure, or circuit is a fundamental engineering practice. For example, assessing the total electrical power requirement for a building before installing wiring and equipment, or calculating the weight a bridge must bear to ensure its structural integrity. This process involves identifying all contributing factors and quantifying their cumulative effect.
Accurate demand assessment is crucial for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Underestimation can lead to system failures or unsafe conditions, while overestimation results in unnecessary expense and wasted resources. Historically, empirical data and safety factors were relied upon, but modern methods incorporate detailed analysis and computer modeling to achieve greater precision.
