stress concentration

Stress concentration refers to the phenomenon where stress is amplified in specific areas of an object due to its shape or imperfections. Think of it like a river flowing smoothly until it hits a rock; the water's flow becomes turbulent around the rock. Similarly, in materials, sharp corners, holes, or changes in shape can lead to higher stress levels at those points, making them more likely to fail or break under pressure. Understanding stress concentration is crucial in engineering and design to ensure structures and products can withstand applied forces without unexpected failures.