Poisson's ratio

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Poisson's ratio

When a material is stretched in one direction it tends to get thinner in the other two directions

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When a sample of material is stretched in one direction it tends to get thinner in the other two directions.

Poisson's ratio is

the ratio of the relative contraction strain (or transverse strain) normal to the applied load - to the relative extension strain (or axial strain) in the direction of the applied
load

Poisson's Ratio can be expressed as

= - t / l (1)

where

= Poisson's ratio

t = transverse strain

l = longitudinal or axial strain

Strain can be expressed as

= dl / L (2)

where

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/poissons-ratio-d_1224.html[10/08/2017 12:43:30 AM]

Poisson's ratio

dl = change in length (m, ft)

L = initial length (m, ft)

For most common materials the Poisson's ratio is in the range 0 - 0.5.

Typical Poisson's Ratios for some Common Materials

Poisson's Ratio
Material
--

Upper limit 0.5

Aluminum 0.334

Aluminum, 6061-T6 0.35

Aluminum, 2024-T4 0.32

Beryllium Copper 0.285

Brass, 70-30 0.331

Brass, cast 0.357

Bronze 0.34

Concrete 0.1 - 0.2

Copper 0.355

Cork 0

Glass, Soda 0.22

Glass, Float 0.2 - 0.27

Granite 0.2 - 0.3

Ice 0.33

Inconel 0.27 - 0.38

Iron, Cast - gray 0.211

Iron, Cast 0.22 - 0.30

Iron, Ductile 0.26 - 0.31

Iron, Malleable 0.271

Lead 0.431

Limestone 0.2 - 0.3

Magnesium 0.35

Magnesium Alloy 0.281

Marble 0.2 - 0.3

Molybdenum 0.307

Monel metal 0.315

Nickel Silver 0.322

Nickel Steel 0.291

Polystyrene 0.34

Phosphor Bronze 0.359

Rubber 0.48 - ~0.5

Stainless Steel 18-8 0.305

Steel, cast 0.265

Steel, Cold-rolled 0.287

Steel, high carbon 0.295

Steel, mild 0.303

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