Stress and strain concentrations in an elasto-plastic bar of circular cross-section with semicircular groove

The elastic stress and strain fields in an elasto-plastic circular cross-section bar with semicircular groove subjected to uniaxial tension are systematically investigated using the finite element method. It is found that the stress and strain concentrations are different, especially after the partial region near the groove root yielding. The coupled influences of the loading levels and Poisson's ratios on the stress and strain concentrations are examined. The maximum of strain concentration factor is always at the groove root, but the maximum of stress concentration factor is at the groove root only while the loading levels are lower.