Stresses in Plates with Polygonal Holes

Abstract

A multiple crack of four arms in an infinite plate in uniform tension is simulated by means of a ‘square’ hole with curved sides. The conformal transformation uses two terms, the decimal coefficient of the second term being determined by a function generator. The stress distribution due to such a discontinuity is obtained theoretically by derived complex potentials, the results being compared with stress values found by photoelasticity. Stress concentration factors are given for other discontinuities in the form of square and triangular holes, and cracks of three arms. Good agreement is shown to exist between theoretical and experimental results.