Concept of Stress ConcentrationKt is used for normal stresses and Kts for shear stresses.

Concept of Stress ConcentrationConsider an elliptical hole in an infinitely large plate loaded in uniform tension. Using the theory of elasticity the theoretical stress concentration factor is given by the equation below.Elliptical hole2b2aFor a circular hole Kt = 3The equation can be applied to a longitudinal crack where b

Stress Concentration FactorStress concentration factor is found using experimental methods.Photoelasticity a plane polarized light is passed thru a photelastic material (all transparent plastics) resulting in a colorful fringe pattern indicating the intensity of the stress.

Stress Concentration FactorBrittle Coating a specially prepared lacquers are usually applied by spraying on the actual part. After air drying, the part is subjected to stress. A pattern of small cracks appear on the surface. Data could be used to locate strain gages for precise measurement of the stress. The method is sensitive to temperature and humidity.

Stress Concentration FactorElectrical strain gauges The method is the most popular and widely accepted for strain measurements and stress analysis. The strain gauge consists of a grid of strain-sensitive metal foil bonded to a plastic backing material. When the gauge is subjected to a mechanical deformation, its electrical resistance changes proportionally. The change in voltage is converted to strain and the stress is calculated from the strain.

Stress Concentration FactorFinite Element methodThe CAD model is subdivided into many small pieces of simple shapes called elements.FEA program writes the equations governing the behavior of each element taking into consideration its connectivity to other elements.These equations relate the unknowns, for example displacements in stress analysis, to known material properties, restraints and loads.The program assembles the equations into a large set of simultaneous algebraic equations (thousands or even millions).These equations are then solved by the program to obtain the stress distribution for the entire model.

Stress Concentration Factor

Stress Concentration FactorRound section with a fillet

Stress Concentration FactorFlat plate with a hole