Universal equations for the mode I stress distribution in finite size orthotropic plates with blunt notches and holes

In this work a new universal formula suitable for accurately describing the maximum normal stress distribution along the entire ligament of orthotropic plates weakened by central holes or symmetric lateral notches is provided. To this end, a recent analytical solution proposed to describe the local stress distributions in the close neighbourhood of U- and V-shaped notches is significantly improved using an asymptotic matching approach which explicitly introduces in the analytical formulation two new parameters able to account for the global size of the notched component. The comparison with a large bulk of numerical results reveals that the new solution proposed is very accurate for many geometrical variations, from lateral notches and central holes. Accordingly, it represents a useful engineering tool to calculate the normal stress field ahead of several geometrical variations in orthotropic plates under tension.