What does "stress testing" involve in product engineering?

Stress testing in product engineering is primarily focused on evaluating performance under extreme conditions. This type of testing helps determine how a product behaves when subjected to pressures or loads that exceed normal operational parameters. By pushing the product to its limits, engineers can identify potential points of failure, vulnerabilities, and overall durability. This testing is crucial not only for ensuring safety and functionality but also for enhancing the product's design based on the insights gained.

Through stress testing, engineers gain valuable information about how materials and components perform under significant stress, which directly informs improvements in design and reliability. It is a fundamental aspect of the development process, especially in fields such as software engineering, civil engineering, and product design, where understanding failure thresholds can be critical.