Boundary value problems in two-dimensional elasticity by conducting paper analogue

A conducting paper analogue has been employed to provide a rapid and inexpensive method for the determination of values of stress in fields of uniaxial tension and of pure torsion, to which the equations of Laplace and Poisson apply. The reliability of the equipment has been verified by comparison of selected experimental results with those of known theories. Applications of the technique to the determination of the stress distributions in thin sheets containing geometric openings are given, and also to the determination of the stress distribution in a circular shaft containing a keyway, in pure torsion. The relevance of of Inglis' theory for equivalent elliptic holes is examined. Results are presented in graphical form.