Stress analyses of perforated flat plates under in-plate loadings

Strain-gaged flat plates having one, two, three, and five closely spaced holes were tested under uniaxial and 1:1 biaxial loading conditions. The experimental results of these tests were compared with corresponding calculated values obtained using the computer program TABLES, which was developed at Battelle-Columbus Laboratories. The study was conducted (1) to obtain highly reliable experimental data that can be used in the design of penetrations in vessels having large radii of curvature, (2) to evaluate the capability of the computer program TABLES for accurately predicting the stresses in perforated flat plates, (3) to complete the initial step leading toward the planned development of a method of analysis for clusters of nozzles attached to pressure vessels, and (4) to investigate the stress states in regions of closely space holes. The comparisons of calculated and experimental stresses were in good agreement, and the method of analysis was found to be capable of accurately predicting the complex state of stress in the vicinity of the closely spaced holes.