Crossword Genius

Force not creating a measure of ability to withstand compression (6,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

octane rating

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'measure of ability to withstand compression' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'force not creating a' is the wordplay.
'force' indicates an anagram (letters must be forced into a new order).
'not'+'creating'+'a'='notcreatinga'
'notcreatinga' is an anagram of 'OCTANE RATING'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for octane rating that I've seen is " Number at filling station".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app