The paper describes, in details, the analysis of stress distribution in square plates with, hydrostatically leaded central circular openings and free square boundaries. The analysis is carried out for twelve cases of different diameters to width ratio, (D/a). The curves for maximum shear stress per unit hydrostatic pressure, (σ1 —σ2)/2P0, are given as function of the distances measured along the diagonal and the axis of the plate. The variation of Yy/P0 along the side of the plate with the polar angle g, and the stress ratio σ1/P0 distribution along the circular boundary also as a function of g, are given. The value of the Airy’s stress function X at the interior point of the axis is plotted as a function of Dja. The graphs for σ1’P0, at the inner edges of the axis and diagonal are drawn against Dja, and a comparison is made with the corresponding results for a thick-wall cylinder using Lame’s equation. In addition to these the contours for maximum principal stresses, maximum shear stresses inside the field are drawn, and the principal stress directions’as well as their magnitudes according to scales suitable for different Dja ratios are also given at every nodal point inside the region. These results are compared with the corresponding ones given by A. J. Durelli and J. Barriage1 obtained by the application of photoelasticity and Brittle coating. A paper recently published by Dr. S. K. Boy, (2) gives a general analytical solution of the same problem and a comparison is made of the results stated therein.
