Stress concentration factor

A factor \( K_t \) that relates the severity of a stress concentration under static loading conditions —

\begin{align} \label{eq:13901a} K_t = \frac{\textsf{Stress that is actually present at a stress concentrator}}{\textsf{Stress that would be present if no stress concentrator existed}} \end{align}

\( K_t \) is always greater than 1.0.

\( K_t \) depends on the part geometry and the method of loading (e.g, axial, bending, torsion, etc.).