An engineering formula for the stress concentration factor of orthotropic composite plates

An engineering formula for the theoretical stress concentration factor of orthotropic notched plates under tension is provided, as a function of the material elastic constants and the Kt of the corresponding isotropic case. The accuracy and limits of applicability of the new solution are discussed by comparison to data from the literature and results from FE analyses on notched geometries of practical interests. The proposed solution represents a very useful tool to estimate the stress concentration factor of notched orthotropic plates, composite orthotropic laminae, orthotropic unidirectional laminates and homogenised orthotropic composite laminates.