Open Access

ARTICLE

An Equation for Stress Concentration Factor in Countersunk Holes

by Kunigal N. Shivakumar¹, Anil Bhargava¹, Sameer Hamoush²

1 Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, Center for Composite Materials Research, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411.
2 Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Center for Composite Materials Research, North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411.

Computers, Materials & Continua 2006, 3(2), 97-106. https://doi.org/10.3970/cmc.2006.003.097

Abstract

A detailed three-dimensional finite element stress analysis was conducted on straight-shank and countersunk rivet holes in a plate subjected to tension loading. The study included a wide range of plate width to radius, thickness to radius, countersunk depth to thickness ratios and countersunk angles(θ_c). The stress concentration is maximum at or near the countersunk edge. The stress concentration depends on countersunk depth, plate thickness and width and it is nearly independent of the countersunk angle for 80° ≤ θ_c ≤ 120°. Using the finite element results and limiting conditions, an equation for stress concentration factor is developed and verified.

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