What term refers to a sudden and powerful load applied to an object?

The term that refers to a sudden and powerful load applied to an object is "impact loads." Impact loads occur when a force is applied instantaneously, typically due to a collision or a sudden event, causing a significant change in the load conditions on the object. This type of loading is characterized by a rapid increase in load over a very short duration, which can lead to high stress and strain in materials.

In contrast, other terms describe different loading scenarios. For example, dynamic loads refer to loads that change over time but are not necessarily instantaneous or sudden, such as those caused by moving vehicles or wind forces. Differential loads describe the variations in load across different sections of a structure, but these are not characterized by the sudden application of force. Steady loads, on the other hand, remain constant over time and do not involve rapid changes or impacts. Understanding the specific nature of impact loads is crucial for designing structures and materials that can withstand such forces without failure.