Stress concentration factors in square and circular cross-sectioned bars with axial slots

The stress concentration factors (SCFs) in the region of a slot, with semicircular ends, in square and circular cross-sectioned bars have been obtained using the finite element (FE) method. Results are presented for torsion, bending (in two different directions) and axial loading. The effects of the length and width of the slot on the magnitudes and positions of the SCFs were investigated; the overall dimensions of the bars were kept constant. The choice of appropriate nominal stresses for defining the SCFs was given careful consideration. The choice of nominal stress for the torsion case is shown to be of particular importance. The SCFs due to torsion are found to be higher than those due to bending and axial loading. Also, except for short slots, the SCFs due to axial loading are lower than the SCFs caused by the most severe bending case.