Stress concentration is an irregularity in stress distribution caused by abrupt changes in shape. The stress concentration factor is defined as the ratio of maximum stress at a notch to the nominal stress based on net area. Causes of stress concentrations include sudden changes in cross section, poor surface finish, localized loading, variations in material properties, and material defects. Remedies involve avoiding abrupt changes, rough surfaces, pointed loads, using uniform materials, and reducing cracks and flaws.