Finite element–based parametric analysis and geometric optimization of stress concentration in semicircular notched plates
1Ph.D. Scholar, Vidya Pratishthan’s Kamalanayn Bajaj Institute of Engineering & Technology, Baramati, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India, 413133
2Professor, Vidya Pratishthan’s Kamalanayn Bajaj Institute of Engineering & Technology, Baramati, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India, 413133
J Ther Eng 2026; 12(3): 1-10 DOI: https://doi.org/10.47481/jten.0006
Full Text PDF

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to optimize the geometry of a tension strip with opposite semicircular edge notches in order to reduce the stress concentration factor (h) by using computational techniques. An ABAQUS finite-element model was developed, and a full-factorial design of experiments was used to test the effects of four independent geometrical variables: width, notch radius, thickness, and length. The analytical workflow was automated through a MATLAB-ABAQUS interface, enabling a systematic parametric exploration of sixteen configurations. The inverse relationship between thickness and Kt was the strongest with the notch radius and width showing positive correlation. The lowest Kt was obtained with H=16mm, r=2mm, h=2mm and L=28mm, resulting Kt =1.73. This combined interface system is very effective and dependable process for notched components stress optimization.