loadredistribution

Load redistribution is the process of reallocating workload or demand from overloaded components to other resources in order to improve performance, reliability, or safety. It is a broad concept applied in several domains, including computing, electrical power systems, and structural engineering, where the term is used with domain-specific meanings.

In computing and networks, load redistribution is commonly described as load balancing. Dynamic load redistribution continuously monitors resource usage and traffic and shifts tasks, sessions, or data to servers with spare capacity, while static approaches assign workloads at deployment. Algorithms range from round-robin and least connections to least loaded and consistent hashing. Architectures include centralized load balancers, distributed load balancing, and software-defined networks. Goals are to maximize throughput, minimize latency, and ensure fault tolerance. Triggers include utilization thresholds, health checks, autoscaling signals, and traffic surges.

In electrical power systems, load redistribution refers to adjusting the active load across lines and transformers after a fault or outage, to maintain balance and system stability. It involves network reconfiguration, switching, and contingency analysis, supported by protection schemes and state estimation. Objectives include preventing overloads, maintaining voltage stability, and avoiding cascading failures.

In structural engineering, redistribution describes how forces transfer between members after yielding or damage, influencing safety and serviceability. Designers account for redistribution through nonlinear analysis and performance-based codes.

Challenges include ensuring timely, accurate state information, avoiding oscillations, and maintaining safety under partial failures. Properly implemented load redistribution supports resilience and efficient utilization of resources.