Creep stress redistribution in notched bars

Abstract The finite element method has been used to determine stress and strain histories in circumferentially notched bass which undergo creep due to steady loading. A semi-circular notched bar and a British Standard V-notched bar are studied. Stationary-state stress distributions for the circular notch are relatively smooth; those for the B.S. notch are non-uniform and peaks develop adjacent to the notch tip where plane strain conditions prevail. High values of the first stress invariant can be obtained from both types of notch. Strain gradients are shown to occur for both notches. Times required to achieve a stationary-state of stress have been determined for both notches; in general the values are much higher for the B.S. notch.