International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409

www.elsevier.com/locate/ijfatigue

Stress gradient calculations at notches

*
Mauro Filippini
Dipartimento di Meccanica, Politecnico di Milano, Pizza Leonardo da Vinci 32, I-20133 Milano, Italy

Received 2 July 1999; received in revised form 24 November 1999; accepted 11 January 2000

Abstract

Calculations of the relative stress gradient ahead of notches are presented. Attention has been focused on finite width plates
under tension weakened either by a central hole or by two semicircular lateral notches. In this paper stress field solutions given
by Neuber as well as analytical solutions in the form of power series expansions, given by Howland (central hole) and Ling (semi-
circular notches), have been employed in the derivation of the stress gradient. Comparisons have been made with gradient calcu-
lations derived from approximate stress field formulas developed by Xu et al. (Practical stress expressions for stress concentration
regions. Fatigue Fract Eng Mater Struct 1995;18(7/8)885–95) and by Glinka and Newport (Universal features of elastic notch-tip
stress fields. Int J Fatigue 1987;9(3):143–50). It is shown that the effect of the finite dimensions of the specimen on the stress
gradient is correctly captured only if exact analytical solutions are employed. The results presented in this paper are useful for
calculating the stress intensity factors for cracks growing in notches and to assess the fatigue strength of notched components. 
2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Notch; Stress gradients; Notch-tip stress distribution; Notch fatigue

1 ∂sy
1. Introduction

It is widely recognized that the stress gradient is of

c⫽
smax ∂x |
x=x0
(1)

paramount importance for assessing fatigue strength in

notched parts [1–10]. where x0 is the coordinate point in the component where
In fact, knowledge of the stress gradient allows us to maximum stress s=smax is achieved, see Fig. 1.
determine in a complete way the stress field at a notch While stress concentration factors Kt have been calcu-
root: knowledge of the stress concentration factor is not lated and plotted for several geometrical configurations
enough by itself to evaluate fatigue strength of notched of specimens and components, stress gradients around
components [11–13]. Stress gradients have been shown notches are seldom available.
to be quite important also for evaluating fatigue strength Indeed, diagrams, tables and interpolating or exact
in the presence of a multiaxial stress field, as has been expressions of Kt are continuously being revised (see Pil-
shown by Munday and Mitchell [14] and by Papado- key [16]), whereas the table of relative stress gradients
poulos and Panoskaltsis [15]. provided by Siebel [1] in the 1950s is practically the
One of the most popular methods for assessing notch only one which is widely known and cited, Table 1.
fatigue strength is that suggested by Siebel [1] (see also In this table, however, expressions of the relative nor-
Neuber [5] and Peterson [6]). According to this proposal mal stress gradient are given in approximate form,
the ratio between the stress concentration factor Kt and because there is no way to take into account the finite
the fatigue notch factor Kf is a function of the relative dimensions of geometries considered. The common
stress gradient explanation that is given to support this approximation
is that stress gradients have a ‘strong’ dependence from
notch radius and a ‘weak’ dependence from all other
geometrical parameters, as shown in Fig. 2. In this dia-
* Tel.: +39 02-2399-8420; fax: +39 02-2399-8492. gram, the product cr varies little as a function of relative
E-mail address: filippini@mecc.polimi.it (M. Filippini). notch dimensions t/r. But according to this diagram,

0142-1123/00/$ - see front matter  2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
PII: S 0 1 4 2 - 1 1 2 3 ( 0 0 ) 0 0 0 1 0 - 4
398 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409

even for a semi-circular notch (t/r=1) the value of the

product cr differs by about 10% from the commonly
used value of cr=2.
The importance of exact calculation of the relative
stress gradient around notches has been strongly outlined
by Schijve [7], who has shown that for low values of
stress concentration factors (Kt⬍3) the largest deviation
from the usually employed formula cr=2 can be found.
In this paper, instead of ‘pure’ relative stress gradient
c, the product cr (also cr0 or cr0) will be employed.
As recognized by Thum [3], this quantity represents the
relative normal stress gradient for a unit notch radius or,
again, the absolute stress gradient for a unit notch radius
with a unit maximum stress at the notch root: for these
reasons, the product cr0 is regarded as a significant para-
meter for making comparisons.
The method suggested by Schijve [7] will be applied
to the calculation of stress gradients in some simple geo-
metries for which exact solutions of the stress field ahead
of the notch-tip are available, showing that, in most
cases, the effect of finite dimensions is to modify the
value that stress gradients may assume.
By calculation of the expressions of the derivative of
normal stresses it is possible to obtain an analytical
expression for the relative stress gradient. In fact, if the
Fig. 1. Relative stress gradient.
longitudinal stress at the notch-tip is expressed as a func-
tion of coordinates ahead of notch and geometrical
dimensions of the components

Table 1
Relative stress gradients as given by Siebel [1]

Relative stress gradient χ

Notch geometry Axial Bending Torsion

2 2 2 —
+
r0 r0 b

2 2 2 1 2
+ +
r0 r0 d r0 d

2 2 4 1 4
+ +
r0 r0 D+d r0 D+d

— — 1 2
+
r0 d

— — 6
d
 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409 399

ligament is derived (deep hyperbolic notch); in the

second case, a notch of finite depth in a plate with an
infinite ligament width is studied (sharp notch). For pur-
pose of comparison, both solutions will be evaluated
from the point of view of stress gradients.
Analytical solutions for a finite width plate weakened
either by a central circular hole or by two symmetrical
opposite semicircular notches will then be considered.
The method for deriving the complete stress field ahead
of the notch is described respectively in the papers of
Howland [18] and Ling [19]. By utilizing stress field
equations given in the form of a power series expansion,
the stress gradient may be directly calculated in an ana-
lytical way by applying Eq. (1).
Finally, some approximate stress field formulas will
be subjected to the same evaluation process and a com-
parison between different results will be made.

2. Solutions according to Neuber

2.1. Elliptic notch in a plate under tension

Directly employing equations given by Neuber [17],

the relative stress gradient definition given by Eq. (1)
can be applied to the normal stress expression on the
Fig. 2. Stress concentration factor Kt and normalized relative stress ligament of the notched plate shown in Fig. 3.
gradient as a function of relative notch depth t/r (source: Klesnil and
s0 cosh u0
Lukáš [9]).
(sv)v=p=s0+ (2)
2 2 sinh2u

冋 冉 冊 册
sy⫽f(x,d,r,t,…)
1
and taking into account that maximum stress is achieved eu0(e2u0−3) 1+ coth u e−2u+cosh u0 coth u
2
at notch root, i.e. smax=sy|x=x0, the relative stress gradient
may be calculated as a function of absolute geometri- where the curvilinear (elliptical) coordinates are given
cal dimensions by

f⬘
c⫽G(d,r,t,…) being G⫽
f| x=x0

Thus, the relative stress gradient is to be expressed as a

function of absolute geometrical dimensions of the
component and not, as in the case of the stress concen-
tration factor, Kt, of relative geometrical parameters.
For the calculation briefly outlined here, different sol-
utions for the stress field ahead of notches in plane speci-
mens will be considered.
Relevant stress field solutions given by Neuber [17]
will be evaluated: in the case of an elliptical hole in a
plate, the stress field solution given by Neuber is practi-
cally coincident with classical solutions by Kolosoff or
Inglis; for the simple case of a circular hole, the Kirsch
solution can also be employed.
For the case of external notches, Neuber [17] gives
the stress field solution for two opposite geometrical
configurations: in the first configuration, the stress field
in a plate of infinite dimensions but with a finite width Fig. 3. Elliptic hole in bar under tension.
400 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409

再x= sinh u cos v

y= cosh u sin v
(3)
The maximum tension is achieved at the notch root
(i.e. cosv=cosv0):
2 tan v0 2A
Taking coordinates along u: smax⫽sn ⫽ (9)
v0+ sin v0 cos v0 cos v0
y cosh u ∂u 1 cosh u0
⫽ ⇒ ⫽ sn being the nominal net stress on the ligament.
t cosh u0 ∂y t sinh u
Applying derivative rules
and applying Eq. (1), the stress gradient is calculated as
∂sx ∂(su)u=0 ∂v sin2 v0 1
⫽ · ⫽(⫺)4A 3 (10)
1 ∂sx ∂(sv)v=2 ∂u ∂y ∂v ∂y
p
cos v0 a
c⫽ ⫽ · (4)
smax ∂y ∂u ∂y according to Eq. (1), the relative stress gradient is
If the notch curvature t/r is considered (coth u0=√t/r), given by:
the following may be obtained 1 ∂sx 2
c⫽ ⫽(⫺) tan2 v0 (11)
smax ∂y a
冪
t
3+4
r If the notch curvature a/r is considered (tan v0=√a/r),
cr⫽ (5) the relative stress gradient is given by
1+2冪
t
r 2
c⫽(⫺) (12)
As suggested by Schjive [7], observing that the stress r
concentration factor Kt assumes the form

冪r
t 2.2.2. Sharp notches
Kt⫽1⫹2 (6)
According to the sharp notch theory developed by
Eq. (5) may be rewritten in the following compact form: Neuber [17], based on the first terms of a series expan-

冉 冊
sion of Airy’s biharmonic potential functions, the longi-
1 1 tudinal stress may be expressed as
c⫽ 2⫹ (7)

冋 册
Kt r
s+q s (s/q)−1 1−q (s+q−1)/q (1−2q)/q
For the simple case of semicircular notches (Kt=3); Eq. sy⫽C x ⫺ x x (13)
q q q 0
(7) gives the value cr=7/3.
in the coordinate system of Fig. 5.
2.2. External notches

2.2.1. Hyperbolic notches in a plate under tension

The normal stress expressions given by Neuber [17] is

(su)u=0⫽
A
cos v
1⫹ 2冉
cos2 v0
cos v 冊 (8)

in the elliptical coordinate system of Eq. (3), shown in

Fig. 4.

Fig. 4. Hyperbolic notch in a plate under tension. Fig. 5. Sharp notch in a plate under tension.
 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409 401

Considering the case of semicircular notches, the

notch opening angle w is zero and by taking into account
the relations between coefficients
w
q=2−
p
s
sin sp+ sin qp=0
q
q−1
x0= r
q Fig. 6. Strip weakened by a circular hole under tension.

the relative stress gradient according to Eq. (1) is

given by
ficients are a function of the so-called Howland inte-
1−2q+s 2 grals:
c⫽ ⫽(⫺) (14)
qx0 r

冕
⬁

Also in this case, the value cr0=2 has been obtained: this us
Is = du
is due to the fact that in the Neuber stress field sinh 2u+2u
0
expression, only the first terms of a power series expan- (17)

冕
⬁
sion of the Airy’s stress function have been retained. The s −2u
ue
decrease of stress with respect to its maximum value, Js= du
i.e. the relative stress gradient, takes into account only sinh 2u+2u
0
the contribution of these first terms: if the notch radius
is small in comparison to the plate width, this term is These integrals must be numerically evaluated in the
sufficient to describe the stress field around the notch sense of the Cauchy principal value.
and the contribution given by higher order terms can be For instance, the normal stress sq, along the ligament
neglected. In all other cases, when this geometrical con- AB, Fig. 6, is written as:

冘再
dition is not verified, expressions of this kind given in ⬁
sq d0 n(2n+1)d2n
tables and manuals for fatigue calculations have to be ⫽1⫹2m0⫹ 2⫹2
considered only as first approximation solutions. s0 r n⫽1
r2n+2
(n−1)(2n−1)e2n
⫹ ⫹n(2n⫺1)l2nr2n−2
r2n
3. Analytical solutions of a strip under tension,
with a central hole or semicircular external notches
⫹(n⫹1)(2n⫹1)m2nr2n 冎 (18)
3.1. Stress gradient in a strip under tension with a
circular hole—Howland’s solution where s0 represents applied tension far from the notch.
Once coefficients d2n, e2n, l2n, m2n appearing in Eq.
(18) are evaluated (see Section A.1), for each value of
The solution of the stress field in the neighborhood of
the hole diameter to width ratio l, it is easy to evaluate
a circular hole in a strip under tension has been studied
the maximum stress at the notch root and by differen-
by Howland [18], adopting the successive approximation
tiating Eq. (18) to calculate the relative stress gradient
method (biharmonic solution).
A polar system of coordinates is adopted 1 l ∂sq

再x=r sin q
(15)
c⫽
smax r0 ∂r | r=l
(19)

y=r cos q where

and normalized dimensions are introduced
r0
l⫽ r⫽
r
(16)
∂sq
∂r
d0
⫽s0 ⫺2 3⫹2
r 再
n⫽1
⫺
n(2n+1)(2n+2)d2n
r2n+3
冘冋
⬁

b b
2n(n−1)(2n−1)e2n
where b is the halfwidth of the strip and r0 is the notch ⫺ ⫹n(2n⫺1)(2n⫺2)l2nr2n−3
r2n+1

册冎
radius, as shown in Fig. 6.
The solution derived by Howland is given in the form ⫹2n(n⫹1)(2n⫹1)m2nr2n−1 (20)
of a power (trigonometric) series expansion, whose coef-
402 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409

Calculations have been made by numerically evaluating

Howland integrals and by calculating stress gradient
⫹2n(2n⫺1)L2n−1r2n−2⫹(2n⫹1)(2n⫹2)L2n+1r2n 冎
冘再
expressions in a Matlab environment. In Fig. 7(a), the ⬁
2n(2n−1)A2n−2 (2n+2)(2n+3)A2n
relative stress gradient (expressed here by the product ⫹ ⫹
cr0) is plotted against geometrical parameter l, while n⫽0
r2n+1 r2n+3

冎
in Fig. 7(b) it is plotted as a function of the net stress
concentration factor, Kt. ⫺2n(2n⫺1)L2nr2n−1⫺(2n⫹2)(2n⫹3)L2n+3r2n+1 (21)
In Fig. 7, it may be easily recognized that the relative
stress gradient assumes relevantly different values from where coefficients An, Bn, and Ln depend on Howland
the case of a hole in an infinite plate (Neuber solution) integrals (Eq. (17)). The procedure for calculating the
when actual finite dimensions are taken into account. aforementioned coefficients is reported in Section A.2.
When the notch radius increases (so that Kt decreases) By evaluating Eq. (21) for r=l, the maximum normal
the relative stress gradient is also increasing, as shown in stress is given by
Fig. 8. In Fig. 8 the normalized normal stress distribution
ahead of the notch for l values ranging from 0 to 0.5
冘 冘
M⫺1 M
smax
are plotted as a function of a normalized coordinate in ⫽1⫺4 兵A⬘2n⫹L⬘2n+2其⫺4 兵B⬘2n⫹L⬘2n+1其 (22)
s0
the ligament, x/r0. Comparison between the different n⫽0 n⫽0

curves shows that in the case of finite dimension plates, where

the stress distribution around a notch not only depends
on the notch radius itself but also on all other geometri- A⬘2nl2n+3
cal parameters. A2n=
2n+2
B⬘2nl2n+2
3.2. Stress gradient in a strip under tension with B2n= (23)
semicircular notches—Ling’s solution 2n+1
B⬘2n
Adopting an analytical method similar to that L n=
nln−1
employed for Howland’s solution, the expression of the
stress field around semicircular external notches in a Again, by differentiating Eq. (21), the relative stress
finite width strip under tension derived by Ling [19] is gradient can be calculated by
utilized for calculating the stress gradient.
冘
M
In the coordinate reference system shown in Fig. 9, cr0⫽ 兵⫺4n(n⫹1)B⬘2n⫺4n(n⫺1)B⬘2n−2⫹4n(n⫺1)
the normal stress on a ligament (q=0) is given by the n⫽1
following equation:
冘
M⫺1

冘再 L⬘2n−1⫹4n(n⫹1)L⬘2n+1其⫹ 兵⫺(2n⫹3)2A⬘2n
⬁
sq (2n−2)(2n+1)B2n−2 2n(2n+1)B2n
⫽1⫹2L1⫹ ⫹ n⫽0
s0 n⫽1
r2n r2n+2

Fig. 7. Relative stress gradient in a strip with a hole.

 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409 403

Fig. 8. Distribution of normalized normal stress ahead of the notch-tip in a strip with a hole.

4. Approximate closed-form formulas

4.1. Xu–Thompson–Topper formula

In recent years, several papers concerning stress sol-

utions ahead of notches have been published [20–26].
Among them, in the paper by Xu et al. [24], a general
expression for calculating normal stress distribution at
notch root of different geometries, Fig. 12, is proposed:

Fig. 9. Strip weakened by symmetrical semi-circular notches.

sy⫽fwg
Ktsn
2
1⫹
x
ar0 冉 冊 冋 冉 冊册 −1/2
1⫹ 1⫹
x
ar0
−1
(25)

where
a⫽0.425⫹0.005Kt (26)
⫺(2n⫺1)(2n⫹1)A⬘2n−2⫹(2n⫺1)2L⬘2n
1 if x/r0⬍b⫽0.26(Ktn−1)
⫹(2n⫹1)(2n⫹3)L⬘2n+2其
In Fig. 10(a) and (b), respectively, the relative stress
gradient is plotted against the geometrical parameter l
(24)
g⫽
冦 1⫹tan
p x/r0−b
2Kt g
if x/r0ⱖb⫽0.26(Ktn−1)
(27)

and the stress concentration factor Kt. with g⫽1.216⫹0.3224Kt

Compared with solutions derived from Neuber’s
analysis of hyperbolic and pointed notches, this solution
differs even for the condition of infinite dimensions of
fw⫽1⫺
x/r0
d/r0冋 d
0.5561⫺0.1123 ⫹0.005863
t
d
t冉冊 冉 冊册
2
(28)

the plate (l=0). In this case, the contribution of higher and Kt is the elastic stress concentration factor, while fw
order terms in the power series expansion is also taken represents the finite width correction factor.
into account. Compared with the previous solution for Applying Eq. (1) and setting g=1 for x=0, the relative
the strip with a centered hole, if the notch radius to strip stress gradient can be calculated:
width ratio increases, the stress distribution becomes 1 ∂sy 1 ∂sy
more and more uniform and thus the stress gradient
decreases, Fig. 11.
c⫽
smax ∂x |x=0
⫽
Ktsn ∂x | x=0
(29)
404 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409

Fig. 10. Stress gradient in a strip with semi-circular notches.

Fig. 11. Distribution of normalized normal stress ahead of the notch-tip.

from which the final expression is derived concentration handbooks [16], it is easy to evaluate the rela-

冋 冉冊 冉 冊册2
tive stress gradient for notched geometries like those shown
1 1 d d
c= − − 0.5561−0.1123 +0.005863 in Fig. 12. In Eq. (30) the first term represents the relative
ar0 d t t stress gradient for an infinite plate, obtained setting fw=1 in
1 Eq. (25), while the following term represents the contri-
=− bution due to the finite width effect. Additionally, it may
(0.425+0.005Kt)r0
be observed that the first term appearing in Eq. (30) corre-
− 冋0.5561 0.1123
d
−
r0
d
+0.005863 2
r0 册 (30)
sponds to the commonly employed relative stress gradient
expression only when Kt=1. On the other hand, in the case
of a circular notch in an infinite plate, according to Eq. (30),
By utilizing approximate expressions of Kt given in stress the relative stress gradient assumes values given by
 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409 405

Fig. 12. Notch geometries considered by Xu et al. [24].

2.273 5. Comparison of results and discussion

c⬇(⫺) (31)
r0
As can be seen, all expressions of the relative stress
which is only slightly different (2.6%) from the exact gradient derived from Neuber formulas are coincident
analytical solution (cr0=(⫺)7/3). with known solutions from the literature and they are
Larger differences may be observed when comparing widely employed in standards, guidelines and handbooks
solutions for finite width components: a discussion will where Siebel’s method for evaluating fatigue notch fac-
be presented in the following section. tor is applied (see for comparison, [29–31]). Among the
cited references, with exclusion of the former DDR stan-
4.2. Glinka–Newport formula dard TGL 19340 [31], all of them report the approximate
gradient expressions already given by Siebel [1], Table
1. In the TGL 19340 standard, approximate solutions are
According to Glinka and Newport [21], the normal also given, but some other geometrical modifying para-
stress on the ligament ahead of the notch tip for blunt meters are taken into account.
notches (Ktⱕ4.5) can be expressed by the following equ- But also in the latter case, the finite width (finite
ation: dimension) effect on relative stress gradient expressions

sy⫽ 冋
⫹
冑冉 冊
Kts0 1 1 x 1
⫹
2 3 2 2 r0 2冑冉 冊
−1/2
⫹
1 x 1
⫹
4 2 0 2
r
−3/2
(32)
is not taken into account. Even if for some geometries
analytical solutions of the stress field ahead of the notch
already exist, only the stress concentration factor related

冉 冊 冉 冊册 −2 −2
information is extensively reported in the literature.
1 x 1 x Even the analytical solution derived by making use of
⫹ ⫹1 ⫹ ⫹1
6 r0 2 r0 Muskhelishvili’s method [32], successfully employed in
many Fracture Mechanics problems, is not suitable for
which is derived by taking the mean between the equ-
deriving expressions that permit the calculation of the
ation proposed by Usami [27] for elliptical notches and
relative stress gradient in notched components of finite
the one given by Creager and Paris [28] for sharp,
dimensions. In fact, solutions derived by making use of
deep notches.
Muskhelishvili’s method are valid in the case of a
By applying Eq. (1), the relative stress gradient is
component with infinite dimensions, i.e. components for
given by
which the absolute dimensions of the notch are small
1 ∂sy 2.1667 compared with all other dimensions. In this case, the
c⫽ ⫽ (33) distribution of stresses around the notch is not affected
Kts0 ∂x r0
by other boundary conditions: this gives the possibility
It may be noticed that the relative gradient given by Eq. of deriving solutions in an analytical form as has been
(33) is a mean between the value derived for the case shown by, among others, Lazzarin and Tovo [25].
of sharp notches (cr0=2) and for the case of circular Moreover, it can be observed that for semicircular
notches in a wide plate (cr0=7/3). However, in the case sharp notches (zero opening angle), the number of eigen-
of Eq. (33), the effect of finite dimensions cannot be values (and thus the coefficients) needed to describe the
taken into account. stress field ahead of the notch is theoretically infinite. In
406 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409

this case, solutions obtained in the form of power series In the case of a strip with symmetrical semicircular
give improved accuracy, provided that an adequate num- notches, approximate solutions, such as Eq. (30), do not
ber of terms is considered. agree with the calculation derived in the present paper
Thus, the relative stress gradient expressions derived by making use of complete analytical solutions. In Fig.
from the Neuber analytical solution [17] must be con- 14 a comparison of the (normalized) relative stress gradi-
sidered as approximate expressions, because they cannot ent given by differentiating the Ling solution and the
take into account the effect of finite dimensions. They Xu–Thomson–Topper [24] expression shows an opposite
should be regarded only as a limiting case for the relative trend: the Xu–Thomson–Topper formula, Eq. (25), pre-
stress gradient applicable for sharp notches or notched dicts an increase of the relative stress gradient while the
plates having infinite dimensions. solution presented in this paper correctly represents the
A comparison between the calculation presented in the decrease of the gradient with increasing notch depth.
present paper and those made by Schijve [7] by interpol-
ating values given in the original Howland paper [18] is
shown in Fig. 13: it must be emphasized that in the 6. Conclusion
present paper the solution is achieved on the whole inter-
val, while Schijve’s calculation is limited to the discrete Calculations presented in this paper show that even in
number of values given by Howland. Good agreement the simple case of circular notches in finite width plates,
substantiates the calculation method adopted in the the relative stress gradient evaluated by making use of
present paper. Also the relative stress gradient derived known expressions in the literature are not suitable to
from the Xu–Thomson–Topper formula [24] is shown to determine with a high degree of accuracy the stress state
be in agreement with Schijve data and with the present condition at the notch root. On the contrary, expressions
author’s calculations. In addition, the stress gradient in derived from exact analytical solutions provide the right
the elliptical hole given by Eq. (7) is plotted for purpose tool to exactly determine the stress distribution at
of comparison: it must be taken into account, however, notch root.
that in this case the SCF Kt is varied by changing the The knowledge of the exact local stress field at a notch
ratio between major and minor ellipse axes and not by allows the correct application of gradient dependent
taking into account finite dimension of the plate. stress based fatigue models. Furthermore, the solution

Fig. 13. Comparison between Schijve [7] data and calculation obtained from complete analytical solution.
 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409 407

Fig. 14. Comparison between relative stress gradient as given by Xu et al. [24] and calculation derived from complete analytical solution.

provided in this paper improves the evaluation of the may be used instead.
stress intensity factors of cracks emanating from notches. Adopting the method of successive approximations
described in the original paper of Howland [18], the
coefficients d2n, e2n, l2n, m2n appearing in Eq. (18) can
Acknowledgements be evaluated by means of the following procedure:

The author would like to thank Dr Ioannis V. Papado-

poulos, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, 1. For a given value of diameter to width ratio l, calcu-
Structural Mechanics Unit, Ispra, Italy, for useful dis- late the first approximation coefficients:
cussion and suggestions regarding this paper.
1 2 (0) 1 4 (0) 1 2
0 ⫽ l d 2 ⫽ l e2 ⫽⫺ l
d (0)
2 4 2
Appendix A. Calculation of coefficients

A.1. Calculation of coefficients for the Howland 2. By denoting the successive approximation coef-
solution ficients with an additional index r, calculate the coef-
ficients
Numerical values of Howland integrals may be calcu-
冘
⬁
lated by evaluating Eq. (17). For values of index s⬎20, (r)
l2n =an0d (r)
0 + 兵anpd 2p
(r)
2p 其
+bnpe(r)
the asymptotic value given by
p⫽1

冘
s! ⬁
Isⱱ s (r)
m2n =gn0d 0(r)+ 兵gnpd 2p
(r)
+dnpe2p
(r)
其
2
p⫽1
s!
Jsⱱ 2s+1
2 where anp, bnp, gnp, dnp depend on the Howland integrals
408 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409

an0=
1
(2n)!
兵(2n−1)I2n−1−2I2n+J2n−1其 2k ⫽
a2n 冉 冊
2n+2k+1 (2n+2k+2)I⬘2n+2k+2+I⬘2n+2k+1−J⬘2n+2k+1
2k+1 22n+2k+1

冉 冊
1
anp= 兵(2n−1)I2n+2p−1−2I2n+2p+J2n+2p−1其 2n+2k (2n+2k+1)I⬘2n+2k+1
(2n)!(2p−1)! 2n−1
a2k ⫽
2k+1 22n+2k

冉 冊
2
bnp= 兵2(n+p−1)I2(n+p−1) 2n+2k (2n+2k+1)I⬘2n+2k+1
(2n)!(2p−2)!
2k ⫽
b2n
−(2np−n−p+1) 2k 22n+2k+1

I2n+2p−3−2I2n+2p−1−(n+p−1)J2n+2p−3其

gn0=
I2n+1
2n−1
b2k ⫽ 冉 冊 2n+2k−1 (2n+2k)I⬘2n+2k−I⬘2n+2k−1−J⬘2n+2k−1
2k 22n+2k−1
(2n+1)!
I2n+2p+1 2. For a given notch radius to strip half-width ratio l,
gnp= compute the primed coefficients
(2n+1)!(2p−1)!
1 n n n+2k+2
dnp=− 兵(2p−1)I2n+2p−1−2I2n+2p+J2n+2p−1其 2k⫽
a⬘n a l
(2n+1)!(2p−2)! 2k+2 2k

n n n+2k+1
2k⫽
b⬘n
3. Calculate the coefficients for the successive approxi- b l
mation (r+1) 2k+2 2k

d (r+1)
0 =2m0(r)l2
3. As a first approximation, let for nⱖ1
2n =l 兵(2n−1)l2n +2nl m2n 其
d (r+1) 4n (r) 2 (r)

n ⫽0
L⬘(0)
2n =l
e(r+1) 兵2nl2n 其
4n−2 (r)
+(2n+1)l2m2n
(r)

4. Sum the obtained coefficients over the index r 4. Solve A⬘(0)

2s from the linear set

冘 冘 冘
⬁
⬁ ⬁ 1
d2n= (r)
d 2n e2n= (r)
e2n 2s =−
f02sA⬘(0) for n=0
s⫽0
2
r⫽0 r⫽0

冘 冘 冘
⬁
⬁ ⬁ 1
l2n= l(r)
m2n= m (r)
⬘(0)
yn2sA2s =− d1,n for nⱖ1
2n 2n
s⫽0
4
r⫽0 r⫽0

where dm,n is the Kronecker delta and

In this way, normal stress along the ligament given by 8(−1)n+s(2s+1)
Eq. (18) and the stress gradient at notch root, Eq. (20), fn2s−2=
p兵4s −(2n−1)2其(2n+2s+1)
2
may be calculated.
4
yn2s−2=− fn+1
A.2. Calculation of coefficients for the Ling solution 2n+2s−1 2s−2

For deriving the Ling solution [19], a similar pro- 5. For nⱖ1, compute B⬘(0)
2n−2, from
cedure must be adopted. Again, the basic functions

冘
⬁
needed for the calculation are related to Howland inte- 1
grals Is, Js, Eq. (17): B ⬘(0)
2n−2⫽⫺ d1,n⫺(2n⫺1) fn2sA⬘(0)
2s
2 s⫽0
2s
I⬘s= Is
s! 6. Calculate subsequent approximations (additional
2s index pⱖ1)
J⬘s= Js

冘
s! ⬁

In order to derive coefficients An, Bn and Ln the following Ln⬘(p)⫽ (a⬘n ⬘(p−1)
2kA2k ⫹b⬘n ⬘(p−1)
2kB2k )
k⫽0
procedure has to be implemented:

⬘(p)
1. Set the following coefficients 7. Solve A2s from the linear set
 M. Filippini / International Journal of Fatigue 22 (2000) 397–409 409

冘 冘
⬁ ⬁ [10] Radaj D. Ermüdungsfestigkeit. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1995.
2s =−2L1 +
f02sA⬘(0) ⬘(p) ⬘(p) [11] Smith RA, Miller KJ. Fatigue cracks at notches. Int J Mech Sci
m02sL2s for n=0
s⫽0 s⫽1
1977;19:11–22.
[12] Schijve J. The stress intensity factor of small cracks at notches.

冘 冘
⬁ ⬁ Fatigue Eng Mater Struct 1982;5(1):77–90.
n
y A
2s 2s =−L
⬘(0) ⬘(p)
2n−1 −2L ⬘(p)
2n+1 −L
⬘(p)
2n+3+ ⬘(p)
vn2sL2s for nⱖ1 [13] Cardew GE, Yates JR. A local grid refinement method for
s⫽0 s⫽1 determining stress intensity factors for cracks at notches. Fatigue
Fract Eng Mater Struct 1996;19(4):523–8.
n n
where coefficients m , n , are given by the following
2s 2s [14] Munday EG, Mitchell LD. The maximum-distorsion-energy
expression ellipse as a biaxial fatigue criterion in view of gradient effects.
Exp Mech 1989;29(1):12–5.
8(−1)n+s(2s−1) [15] Papadopoulos IV, Panoskaltsis VP. Invariant formulation of a
mn2s=
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Fract Mech 1996;55(4):513–28.
4 [16] Pilkey WD. Peterson’s stress concentration factors. 2nd ed. New
nn2s=− mn+1 York: John Wiley and Sons, 1997.
2n−2s−1 2s
[17] Neuber H. Kerbspannungslehre. 2nd ed. Berlin: Springer-Ver-
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⬘(p)
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hole in a strip under tension. Phil Trans R Soc London, Ser A
⬘(p)
B2n−2 ⫽⫺2nL2n−1
⬘(p)
⫺(2n⫺1)L2n+1
⬘(p) 1930;229:49–86.
[19] Ling C-B. Stresses in a notched strip under tension. J Appl Mech

冘
⬁ Trans ASME 1947;69:A275–80.
⫺(2n⫺1) ⬘(p)
(fn2s−2A2s−2 ⫺mn2sL2s
⬘(p)
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冘 冘 冘
⬁ ⬁ ⬁
cracks at notches. Fatigue Fract Eng Mater Struct
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A2n B⬘2n⫽ ⬘(p)
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