POISSON EFFECT From experience, rubber suffers a reduction of cross-sectional area when stretched under tensile load.

This effect is known as Poisson Effect, occurs in all structural materials under tensile and compression. In the region where the stress-strain is linear, the ratio of lateral strain to longitudinal strain is constant and is known as POISSONS RATIO ( ). The effect is shown below.

Consider the action of different direct stress system acting on a cube material below.

From diagram (a),

z =
z
E

Due to Poisson Effect, the strain in x and y direction can be written as:
x =

- z

y = - z Substitute z in term of and E,

x =

z E
z E

y =

The negative value indicate contraction. If force applied in compression the value ie positive. From diagram (b) when 4 sides is subjected to tension, than the strain in x, y and z direction can be written as: z = y = x =
y z E E y z E E y z E E

From diagram when all sides is subjected to tension, than the strain in the x, y and z direction can be written as: z = y = x =
y z x E E E
y
E

z x E E

x z x E E E

Assuming the cube is subjected to uniform stress i.e x=y=z=, than the equations above become: (strain in any direction)
=
E (1 2 )

Volumetric strain =

(1 2)

Thus, from the equation the value of poisson ratio, for any material must be less than 0.5. Most metal, is about 0.3 and concrete in the region of 0.1

EXAMPLE

A circular rod is subjected to a tensile force of 85 kN. The length of the rod is 3 m and the diameter is 30 mm. The material is aluminium with E = 70 N/mm2 and Poisson, = 1/3. Calculate the elongation and reduction of the diameter.
z 85kN 85kN y D=30mm 3m

ANSWER The axial stress, = P/A = 85000/(x302/4) = 120 N/mm2 The strain,
z =
z
E

= 120/70 = 0.00171

The total elongation, = L = 0.0071 x 3000 = 5.14 mm Strain in y direction = y = - z = -1/3 x 0.00171 = -0.00057

EXAMPLE

A block of size 200 mm x 100 mm x 80 mm as shown below is subjected to a load of 250 kN in the z direction. If the Poisson ratio is 1/3 and the modulus of Elasticity is 2 x 104 N/mm2, determine the deformation in x, y and z.

200mm 80mm 250kN 100mm z x y 250kN

ANSWER
z =
x =

z
E

- z

y = - z z = P/A = 250 000/100x80 = 31.25 N/mm2

z =
z
E

= 31.25/2x104 = 1.5625 x 10-3