Load resistance refers to the ability of a structure to resist external forces that could cause global failure, such as plastic deformation, buckling, or complete collapse. Dent resistance, on the other hand, is the ability of a material to resist damage from concentrated impact loads that cause indentations or dents.
Dent resistance is essential in industries such as automotive and aerospace, where materials must withstand concentrated impact loads while maintaining their structural integrity. Engineers can test dent resistance using various methods, including dropping a weighted ball onto a material sample and measuring the resulting deformation. The results of these tests can help optimize material selection and design in these industries.