Theoretical stress concentration factors for short flat tension bars with opposite U-shaped notches

The values of the theoretical stress concentration factors for a number of geometries and loads are available in well-known publications. It is shown here that the reported existing results for the geometry treated herein do not account for the effect of the length of the members in the direction of the applied loads, and it is also shown that shorter lengths may have important effects on the magnitudes of the stress concentration factors, a concept widely used in fatigue applications. The finite-element-determined in-plane theoretical stress concentration factors for short rectangular uniform thickness plates, with opposite U-shaped notches, subjected to uniform tension, for the existing range of the notch radii values as well as for an extended range of these values are reported and are presented in the standard graphical form. Other types of boundary condition have been examined as well in this work with various influences on the stated factor. The transition length concept, the dividing threshold between long and short plates is revised, and the corresponding values are reported as well.