Three-dimensional elastic stress fields of finite thickness plates with elliptical hole

Based on detailed three-dimensional finite element analyses, elastic stress and strain field of ellipse major axis end in plates with different thickness and ellipse configurations subjected to uniaxial tension have been investigated. The plate thickness and ellipse configuration have obvious effects on the stress concentration factor, which is higher in finite thickness plates than in plane stress and plane strain cases. The out-of-plane stress constraint factor tends the maximum on the mid-plane and approaches to zero on the free plane. Stress concentration factors distribute ununiformly through the plate thickness, the value and location of maximum stress concentration factor depend on the plate thickness and the ellipse configurations. Both stress concentration factor in the middle plane and the maximum stress concentration factor are greater than that under plane stress or plane strain states, so it is unsafe to suppose a tensioned plate with finite thickness as one undergone plane stress or plane strain. For the sharper notch, the influence of three-dimensional stress state on the SCF must be considered.