Originally Posted by
physicus
@IFMU Just do a simple thought experiment on the load factor formula: n = lift / weight.
Assume 1 for lift as it remains the same throughout the exercise. Further assume weight = 1: n = 1/1= 1. If you shed half the weight, your new weight now is 0.5. so n becomes 1/0.5 = 2. So you just doubled the load factor by sheeding half your weight.
You have doubled the load factor, but you have not doubled the load (i.e., lift). After the drop it remains at 1, same as before.
That explains why the load factor momentarily and appreciably increases when you suddenly dump a largish amount of liquid from an airplane. that may well increase it beyond its structural limits.
But the structure fails at a certain load, not load factor.