We present four experimental series for the determination of the size and shape of plastic zones due to monotonic and cyclic loadings. Specimens contain notches of various geometries but not cracks. This provides the possibility to study the effect of notch radius and the repetitions of loading without the disturbing influence of crack closure and the previous loading history. Different steels and aluminum alloys are involved. It is shown that the size of the zone increases significantly as a function of load cycles. © 1997 Plenum Publishing Corporation.