Experimental stress analysis of an arbitrary geometry containing irregularly shaped hole

Stresses can significantly influence the mechanical integrity of engineering structures. Motivated by prevalence of members containing cutouts, the objective of this paper is to demonstrate ability to stress analyse a finite, complicated‐shaped plate containing an asymmetrical, irregularly shaped hole. Combining the load‐induced temperature information with analytical and numerical tools provides the independent stresses full field, including on edges of the plate and adjacent to the top load. In addition to utilising real, rather than complex, variables, the technique smooths the recorded information, evaluates individual stresses, and requires neither differentiating the measured data nor knowing the elastic properties. Results are supported by those from a finite element analysis, force equilibrium, and strain gages.