Calculate the maximum stress at a discontinuity (like a hole or notch) compared to the average stress.
Input Parameters
Calculation Results
Enter parameters to calculate
Quick Reference
σ_maxPeak stress at discontinuity
σ_nomNominal (average) stress
K_tStress concentration factor
Overview
A stress concentration (also called a stress raiser) is a location in an object where the stress is significantly greater than the surrounding region.
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Pro Tips
The formula is σ_max = K_t * σ_nom.
K_t depends on the geometry of the discontinuity (e.g., a sharp notch has a higher K_t than a circular hole).
For a circular hole in an infinite plate under tension, K_t is approximately 3.0.
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Fun Facts
"Square windows in early airplanes (like the de Havilland Comet) caused catastrophic failures due to stress concentration at the sharp corners. Modern airplanes use rounded windows to avoid this."
"Polishing a surface can reduce stress concentrations by removing tiny scratches that act as stress raisers."
"Cracks propagate because the stress concentration at the very tip is extremely high, often exceeding the material's strength."
