ELASTIC CONSTANTS

When a body is subjected to a load in one direction, there is change in its

dimensions in the direction of the applied load. But at the same time there is
a change in the dimension of the body perpendicular to the direction of the
applied load.

Longitudinal strain: It is the strain in the direction of the applied load.

Lateral strain: It is the strain at right angles to the direction of the applied
load.

In the fig. 1, (𝛿𝐿/𝐿) is the longitudinal strain, because both the load (or stress)
and the strain are in the same direction.

FIG. 1

(𝛿𝑡/𝑡) and (𝛿𝑏/𝑏) are the lateral strains, because these strains are
perpendicular to the direction of the applied load (or stress).

Poisson’s ratio: The ratio of lateral strain to longitudinal strain is a constant

for a given material, when the material is stressed within the elastic limit.
This ratio is called Poisson’s ratio and it is denoted as 𝛾.

𝑳𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏
So Poisson’s ratio = 𝜸=
𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏

The value of Poisson’s ratio varies from 0.25 to 0.33 for many engineering
materials, and for rubber, its value ranges from 0.45 to 0.50.
Lateral strain is negative, since 𝛿𝑡 and 𝛿𝑏 reduce. Longitudinal strain is
positive, since 𝛿𝐿 increases.

So Poisson’s ratio is always – ve but no sign is attached to it when its value is

given in any article (or) in any question.

Many readers think that since the lateral dimension is decreased when the
longitudinal dimension is increased, there will not be any change in volume.

But volume does not remain constant for many engineering materials. If the
stress applied on the bar is within elastic limit, there is volumetric strain.

Note: In the plastic range, the volume of the material remains nearly constant.
An important note: Let a rectangular prismatic bar of length ‘L’, breadth ‘b’,
and thickness ‘t’ is subjected to an axial load along its length.

𝛿𝐿
So, = Longitudinal strain, because both load (or stress) and strain are in the
𝐿
same direction;

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛
Poisson’s ratio = = 𝛾;
𝐿𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

Therefore, Lateral strain = 𝛾 x Longitudinal strain

𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
The strains , and are lateral strains.
𝑏 𝑡

𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑡 𝛿𝐿
= 𝛾( ); and also = 𝛾( ) ;-----(a)
𝑏 𝐿 𝑡 𝐿

𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
From the set of equations (a) it is clear that both the lateral strains and
𝑏 𝑡
are equal in magnitude.

But the changes in the dimensions are not equal.

Let us consider the following example:

Consider a rectangular prismatic bar of length ‘L’, breadth 50 mm, and

thickness 30 mm is subjected to an axial load along its length.

Let us assume the strain in the direction of length = 0.02 and Poisson’s ratio
𝛾 = 0.3.

𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝐿
So = 0.02; Therefore = 𝛾 ( ) = 0.3(0.02) = 0.006;
𝐿 𝑏 𝐿

𝛿𝑡 𝛿𝐿
And = 𝛾 ( ) = 0.3(0.02) = 0.006;
𝑡 𝐿

From the above calculations, it is clear that both the lateral strains are equal in
magnitude. But let us check the change in dimensions.

𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
So = = 0.006;
𝑏 𝑡

But 𝛿𝑏 = 0.006(50) = 0.300; and 𝛿𝑡 = 0.006(30) = 0.180;

So from the above calculations it is clear that the changes in the dimensions
are not equal.

Volumetric strain of a rectangular block subjected stresses in three

mutually perpendicular axes:

Method 1: Consider a rectangular block of dimensions L x b x t subjected to

three tensile stresses acting along
three mutually perpendicular axes as
shown in figure.

Initial volume of the block = V = Lbt

Taking logarithms on both sides,
log 𝑉 = log 𝐿 + log 𝑏 + log 𝑡
Differentiating the above equation,
FIG. 2
 𝛿𝑉 𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
= + +
𝑉 𝐿 𝑏 𝑡

𝑒𝑣 = 𝑒𝐿 + 𝑒𝑏 + 𝑒𝑡
Volumetric strain = Strain in length + strain in breadth + strain in thickness

Method 2:
Initial volume of the block = V = Lbt
Final length of the block = (L + 𝛿𝐿)
Final breadth of the block = (b + 𝛿𝑏)
Final thickness of the block = (t + 𝛿𝑡)
Final volume of the block = (L + 𝛿𝐿) (b + 𝛿𝑏)(t + 𝛿𝑡)
= (𝐿𝑏𝑡 + 𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡 + 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 + 𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 ) neglecting products of
small terms like, 𝛿𝐿𝛿𝑏, 𝛿𝐿𝛿𝑡, 𝛿𝑏𝛿𝑡 etc., and 𝛿𝐿𝛿𝑏𝛿𝑡.

Change in volume = Final volume ― Initial volume

= (𝐿𝑏𝑡 + 𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡 + 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 + 𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 ) ― Lbt = (𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡 + 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 + 𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 )
𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝛿𝑉 (𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿+𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏+𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡)
Volumetric strain = = 𝑒𝑣 = =
𝑂𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑉 𝐿𝑏𝑡
𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡
= + +
𝐿𝑏𝑡 𝐿𝑏𝑡 𝐿𝑏𝑡
𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
= + + ;
𝐿 𝑏 𝑡

𝑒𝑣 = 𝑒𝐿 + 𝑒𝑏 + 𝑒𝑡 (OR)

𝑒𝑣 = 𝑒𝑥 + 𝑒𝑧 + 𝑒𝑦

In order to express the strain components ex, ey and ez in terms of the

stress components σx, σy and σz, we will consider separately the effect of each
stress component and combine the results obtained. This method is based on
the principle of superposition.
Principle of superposition: This principle states that the effect of a given
combined loading on a structure can be obtained by determining separately the
effects of the various loads and combining the results obtained provided the
following conditions are satisfied.

(1) Each effect is linearly related to the load that produces it

This condition will be satisfied if the stresses do not exceed the proportional
limit of the material.

(2) The deformation resulting from any given load is small and does not affect
the conditions of application of the other loads.

This condition will also be satisfied if the stress on any given face does not
cause deformations of the other faces that are large enough to affect the
computations of the stresses on other faces.

Let us consider a block subjected to three mutually perpendicular, tensile

stresses σx, σy and σz, in three mutually perpendicular directions x, y and z as
shown in the fig. 3.

To find the net strain in x direction:

First let us consider the effect of σx,

in x direction. Initially assume there
are no stresses in y and z directions, that
is, σy = 0, σz = 0.

The strain in x direction due to σx

σ𝑥 FIG. 3
(longitudinal strain) = ----- (1)
𝐸
(Please note that if the stress and strain both are in the same direction, the
strain is called longitudinal strain. For example, in the above equation (1), the
stress and the strain both are in x direction. So the strain given in equation (1)
is longitudinal strain. The strain in other directions, say, y and z directions,
due to the strain in x direction is called lateral strain).
Now let us consider the effect of σy, in x direction. Again assume there
are no stresses in x and z directions, that is, σx = 0, σz = 0.

σ𝑦
The strain in y direction due to σy = (Longitudinal strain, because both
𝐸
stress and strain are in y direction).

We know that

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛
Poisson’s ratio = =𝛾
𝐿𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

Lateral strain = (Longitudinal strain) 𝛾

Therefore the strain in x direction due to strain in y direction (lateral strain) =
σ𝑦
𝛾 (― ve)-----------(2)
𝐸

This strain will be (― ve) because it decreases the dimension in x directions.

Now let us consider the effect of σz, in x direction. Again assume there
are no stresses in x and y directions, that is, σx = 0, σy = 0.

σ𝑧
The strain in z direction due to σz = (Longitudinal strain, because both
𝐸
stress and strain are in z direction).

FIG. 4
 𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛
Poisson’s ratio = =𝛾
𝐿𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

Lateral strain = (Longitudinal strain) 𝛾

Therefore the strain in x direction due to strain in z direction (lateral strain) =
σ𝑧
𝛾 (― ve)-----------(3)
𝐸

This strain will be (― ve) because it decreases the dimension in x direction.

Now adding equations (1), (2) and (3), we will get the net effect of all the strains
in x direction,

𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑧
Net strain in x direction = ex = −𝛾 −𝛾 -------------- (A)
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸
Similarly, we can find the net strain in y and z directions as follows.

To find the net strain in y direction:

σ𝑦
The strain in y direction due to σy (longitudinal strain) = ----- (4)
𝐸
σ𝑧
The strain in z direction due to σz (longitudinal strain) =
𝐸

σ𝑧
The strain in y direction due to strain in z direction (lateral strain) = 𝛾
𝐸

(― ve)-----------(5)

σ𝑥
The strain in x direction due to σx (longitudinal strain) =
𝐸

σ𝑥
The strain in y direction due to strain in x direction (lateral strain) = 𝛾
𝐸

(― ve)-----------(6)

Now adding equations (4), (5) and (6), we will get the net effect of all the strains
in y direction,
 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑧 𝜎𝑥
Net strain in y direction = ey = −𝛾 −𝛾 -------------- (B)
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸
Similarly,
𝜎𝑧 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦
Net strain in z direction = ez = −𝛾 −𝛾 -------------- (C)
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸
The relations (A), (B) and (C) mentioned above are referred as the generalized
Hook’s law for the multi axial loading of a homogenous isotropic material.

The results are valid only as long as the stresses do not exceed the proportional
limit, and as long as the deformations involved remain small. Please note that
a + ve value for a stress component signifies tension, and a negative value for
compression. Similarly, a + ve value for a strain component indicates
expansion in the corresponding direction, and a ― ve value for contraction.
We know that the volumetric strain of a block (or) element subjected to stresses
in three mutually perpendicular stresses = ev = ex + ev + ez

Adding the equations (A), (B) and (C),

ev = e x + e v + e z
𝜎 𝜎𝑦 𝜎 𝜎𝑦 𝜎 𝜎 𝜎 𝜎 𝜎𝑦
= ( 𝐸𝑥 − 𝛾 𝐸 − 𝛾 𝐸𝑧 ) + ( 𝐸 − 𝛾 𝐸𝑧 − 𝛾 𝐸𝑥 ) + ( 𝐸𝑧 − 𝛾 𝐸𝑥 − 𝛾 𝐸 )

σ𝑥 σ𝑥 σ𝑦 σ𝑦 σ σ
= ( − 2𝛾 )) + ( − 2𝛾 )) + ( 𝑧 − 2𝛾 𝑧 ))
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸

σ𝑥 σ𝑦 σ𝑧
= (1 − 2𝛾) + (1 − 2𝛾) + (1 − 2𝛾)
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸

σ𝑥 σ𝑦 σ
= (1 − 2𝛾) ( + + 𝑧)
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸

(σ𝑥 +σ𝑦 +σ𝑧 )

= (1 − 2𝛾) ------(D)
𝐸

Special case: If all the stresses σ𝑥 , σ𝑦 , σ𝑧 are equal and tensile,

σ𝑥 = σ𝑦 = σ𝑧 = p
𝛿𝑉 𝜎𝑥 +𝜎𝑥 +𝜎𝑧
Then the volumetric strain = 𝑒𝑣 = = (1 − 2𝛾) ( )
𝑉 𝐸

𝑝+𝑝+𝑝 (1−2 𝛾)
= (1 − 2𝛾) ( )=
𝑥 3𝑝 --- (E)
𝐸 𝐸
There is also a case in which a body is subjected to a uniform hydrostatic
pressure equal to p. In such a case σ𝑥 , σ𝑦 and σ𝑧 all will be compressive
stresses and equal to p and (― ve).

Re - arranging equation (E) above,

𝐸 𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
= = = K --------(F)
3(1−2 𝛾) 𝑒𝑣 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

The constant K is known as bulk modules (or) modules of compression of the

material.
It is expressed in the same units as the modules of elasticity. Dilatation
means volumetric strain under uniform pressure all over.
The volume of a block or an element of an engineering material subjected to
tensile stresses in all the three mutually perpendicular directions will increase.

It means that, ev, the volumetric strain should be + ve.

(σ𝑥 +σ𝑦 +σ𝑧 )

ev = (1 − 2𝛾)
𝐸

Since all the terms σ𝑥 , σ𝑦 and σ𝑧 are + ve, then, for volumetric strain ev to be
+ ve, (1― 2 𝛾) should be grater than zero.

1
(1―2 𝛾) > 0 ; or 1>2 𝛾 ; or 𝛾<2;

So the Poisson’s ratio should always be < 0.5 for most of the engineering
materials.
(1−2 𝛾)
When 𝛾 = 0.5, the volumetric strain = ev = (σ𝑥 + σ𝑦 + σ𝑧 )
𝐸
 (1−2 x 0.5)
=
𝐸
(σ𝑥 + σ𝑦 + σ𝑧 )
(0)
= (σ𝑥 + σ𝑦 + σ𝑧 ) = 0
𝐸

It means that a body will not change its volume under tensile stresses in three
mutually perpendicular directions. Moreover, there will not be any change in
volume under compressive stresses in all the three mutually perpendicular
directions. It means that the material is perfectly rigid.
This is not possible for engineering materials. So 𝛾 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 < 0.5.

Note: When 𝛾 < 0.5, in the elastic range, stretching an engineering material in
any one direction, for example, in the x direction (σ𝑥 > 0, σ𝑦 = σ𝑧 = 0) will result
in an increase in volume (ev > 0).
(1−2 𝛾)
ev = (σ𝑥 + σ𝑦 + σ𝑧 ) > 0 ;
𝐸
(1−2 𝛾)
= (σ𝑥 + 0 + 0) > 0,
𝐸

since (1 − 2𝛾 ) > 0, when 𝛾 < 0.5

Refer equation (F) above, when 𝛾 = 0.5, bulk modulus = ∞, since (1 − 2𝛾) will be
= 0, which makes a material perfectly incompressible which is practically not
possible.
Note: In the plastic range, the volume of the material remains nearly
constant.
Volumetric strain of a rectangular bar subjected to an axial load P in the
direction of its length:

Method 1: We know that volumetric strain of a rectangular bar subjected to

stresses in three mutually perpendicular directions is

𝛿𝑉 𝜎𝑥 +𝜎𝑦 +𝜎𝑧
Volumetric strain = 𝑒𝑣 = = (1 − 2𝛾) ( )
𝑉 𝐸
In this case the load is acting only in axial direction. Let this direction be x.
When the load is acting in only x direction, 𝜎𝑦 = 0 and 𝜎𝑧 = 0.
 𝛿𝑉 𝜎𝑥 +0+0
Therefore volumetric strain = 𝑒𝑣 = = (1 − 2𝛾) ( )
𝑉 𝐸
𝜎
= (1 − 2𝛾) ( 𝑥)
𝐸

𝑒𝑣 = 𝐿𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 (1 − 2𝛾)

𝜎 𝜎
= ( 𝑥) − 2[𝛾 ( 𝑥)]
𝐸 𝐸
𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑡
= ( 𝐿 − 2 𝑏 ) or ( 𝐿 − 2 𝑡 )

Method 2:
Consider a rectangular bar of length ‘L’, breadth ‘b’, and thickness ‘t’.
Let 𝛿𝐿, be the increase in the length of the bar, and 𝛿𝑏, and 𝛿𝑡 be the decrease
in the breadth and the thickness of the bar.

Final length of the bar = (𝐿 + 𝛿𝐿) ;

Final breadth of the bar = (𝑏 − 𝛿𝑏) ;
Final width of the bar = (𝑡 − 𝛿𝑡) ;
Initial volume of the bar = Lbt ;
FIG. 4

Final volume of the bar = (L + 𝛿𝐿)(b − 𝛿𝑏)(t − 𝛿𝑡 )

= (𝐿𝑏𝑡 − 𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡 − 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 + 𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 ) neglecting product of small
terms like, 𝛿𝐿𝛿𝑏, 𝛿𝐿𝛿𝑡, 𝛿𝑏𝛿𝑡 etc., and 𝛿𝐿𝛿𝑏𝛿𝑡.

Change in volume = Final volume ― Initial volume

= (𝐿𝑏𝑡 − 𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡 − 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 + 𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 ) ― Lbt = (−𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡 − 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 + 𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 )
 = (𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 − 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 − 𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡)
𝛿𝑉 (𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿−𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏−𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡)
Therefore volumetric strain = 𝑒𝑣 = =
𝑉 𝐿𝑏𝑡
𝑏𝑡𝛿𝐿 𝐿𝑡𝛿𝑏 𝐿𝑏𝛿𝑡
= 𝐿𝑏𝑡 − 𝐿𝑏𝑡 − 𝐿𝑏𝑡

𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
= − − ;
𝐿 𝑏 𝑡
𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
is longitudinal strain and and are lateral strains. Since lateral strains
𝐿 𝑏 𝑡
𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑡
are equal in a bar loaded along its length, that is, = ,
𝑏 𝑡
𝛿𝑉 𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑡
𝑒𝑣 = =( −2 ) 𝑜𝑟 ( − 2 );
𝑉 𝐿 𝑏 𝐿 𝑡
But lateral strain = Longitudinal strain x Poisson’s ratio
𝛿𝑡 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝐿
or = 𝛾;
𝑡 𝑏 𝐿
𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝐿
Therefore, 𝑒𝑣 = ( −2 𝛾) = (1 − 2𝛾) ;
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿

𝑒𝑣 = 𝐿𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 (1 − 2𝛾)

Volumetric strain of a cylindrical rod subjected to an axial load:

Consider a cylindrical rod of diameter ‘d’ and length ‘L’ subjected to axial load
as shown in fig. 5. Let 𝛿𝐿, be the increase in the length of the bar, and 𝛿𝑑, be
the decrease in the diameter of the bar.

FIG. 5

Final length of the bar = (𝐿 + 𝛿𝐿) ;

Final diameter of the bar = (𝑑 − 𝛿𝑑) ;
 𝜋
Initial volume of the bar = 𝑑 2𝐿
4
𝜋
Final volume of the bar = (𝑑 − 𝛿𝑑 )2 (L + 𝛿𝐿)
4
𝜋
= [𝑑 2 − 2𝑑𝛿𝑑 + (𝛿𝑑)2](L + 𝛿𝐿)
4
𝜋
= (𝑑 2 𝐿 + 𝑑 2𝛿𝐿 − 2𝑑𝛿𝑑𝐿) neglecting products of small
4
terms like, (2𝑑 )(𝛿𝑑 )(𝛿𝐿), (𝛿𝑑)2 𝐿, and (𝛿𝑑)2 𝛿𝐿.
Change in volume = Final volume ― Initial volume
𝜋 𝜋
= (𝑑 2 𝐿 + 𝑑 2𝛿𝐿 − 2𝑑𝛿𝑑𝐿) − 𝑑 2𝐿
4 4
𝜋
= (𝑑 2𝛿𝐿 − 2𝑑𝛿𝑑𝐿)
4

𝛿𝑉 (𝜋/4)(𝑑2 𝛿𝐿−2𝑑𝛿𝑑𝐿)
Therefore volumetric strain = 𝑒𝑣 = =
𝑉 (𝜋/4)𝑑2 𝐿

(𝑑 2𝛿𝐿−2𝑑𝛿𝑑𝐿)
=
𝑑 2𝐿
(𝑑2 𝛿𝐿) (2𝑑𝛿𝑑𝐿)
= − ;
𝑑 2𝐿 𝑑 2𝐿
(𝛿𝐿) 𝛿𝑑
= −2
𝐿 𝑑
𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑑
is longitudinal strain and is lateral strain.
𝐿 𝑑
But lateral strain = Longitudinal strain x Poisson’s ratio
𝛿𝑑 𝛿𝐿
= 𝛾;
𝑑 𝐿
𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝐿
Therefore, 𝑒𝑣 = ( −2 𝛾) = (1 − 2𝛾) ;
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿

𝑒𝑣 = 𝐿𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 (1 − 2𝛾) FIG. 6

Principle of complementary shear stress:

Refer fig. 6. The shear stresses 𝜏1 acting on

planes AB and CD produce a CW couple on
the block. For equilibrium, the shear stresses 𝜏2 acting on the planes BC and
AD must produce a CCW couple of the same magnitude as that of 𝜏1 .
The shear stresses 𝜏1 and 𝜏2 are said to be complimentary to each other.
It is similar to a bar under tensile or compressive forces will be in equilibrium
only when it is subjected to equal and opposite forces.

Relation between elastic constants:

The three elastic constants, namely, Young’s modulus, E, Shear modulus, G,

and Bulk modulus, K are related through Poisson’s ratio, 𝛾.

Relation between E and G:

The figure 7a shows the deformation produced by the shear stress on the
block. The block is a cube of unit dimensions, say, 1 x 1 x 1 mm3.

𝐷𝐷
Shear strain ∅ = 𝐷𝐴1 = 𝐶𝐶
𝐶𝐵
1= 𝜏
𝐺

Extension on the diagonal AC = C1E.

Since the shear strain ∅ is very small, angle
CC1E is assumed to be = 45o

Therefore, in the ∆ CC1E,

1
C1E = CC1 cos 45o = CC1( ) FIG. 7a
√2

Since the block is a square, diagonal AC = √2. 𝐶𝐵

So the tensile strain in the diagonal AC

𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐶1 E 𝐶𝐶1 1 1 𝐶𝐶1 𝜏

= = = 𝑥 = =
𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝐶 √2 √2𝐶𝐵 2 𝐶𝐵 2𝐺

𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝜏
But Modulus of rigidity = G = = ;
𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 ∅
 So
𝜏
ℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎℎ = ∅ = shear strain
𝐺

1 𝜏
Therefore, tensile strain in diagonal AC = (1/2) x shear strain = (𝐺)
2
1 𝜏
In a similar way, compressive strain along BD = (1/2) x shear strain = 2 (𝐺)
Refer fig. 7b. The resultant of the shear stresses 𝜏 acing at A = √(𝜏 2 + 𝜏 2 ) = 𝜏√2
Similarly, the resultant of the shear stresses acting at C = √2 .
These resultant stresses are normal to the diagonal BD and tensile. Area of the

diagonal plane containing BD = √(12 + 12 ) = √2 .

𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝜏 √2
Therefore the tensile stresses on the diagonal plane BD = = = 𝜏.
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 √2
So the diagonal AC will elongate (to AC1, fig. 7a) due to tensile stress and its
magnitude is equal to 𝜏.

FIG. 7b
FIG. 7c

In a similar way, it can be shown that only a normal compressive stress of

magnitude 𝜏 acts on plane AC (fig. 7c). So the diagonal BD will contract (to
BD1, fig. 7a) due to compressive stress. Figure 7a, shows the deformations of
the diagonals AC and BD.
From this it is clear that due to the above pure shear effect, the material of the
block experiences a compressive stress of magnitude 𝜏 along BD and a tensile
stress of same magnitude 𝜏 along AC as shown in figures 7b and 7c.
The stress element showing the stresses acing on it is shown in fig. 7d.

FIG. 8

FIG. 7d

In general, strain along x direction, for the stress element shown in figure 8,

𝜎 (−𝜎) 𝜎 𝜎
= −𝛾 = +𝛾
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸

Therefore tensile strain along AC for the stress element in fig. 7d

𝜎 𝜎 𝜏 𝜏 𝜏 𝜏
= +𝛾 = +𝛾 = (1 + 𝛾 ) =
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 2𝐺

From the above equation, E = 2G(1 + 𝛾) --------(D)

Relation between E, G and K:

𝐸 𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
From equation (F), we have, = = = K --------(F)
3(1−2 𝛾) 𝑒𝑣 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

𝐸 = 3𝐾(1 − 2𝛾) --------------(G)

𝐸
(1 − 2𝛾) = -----------(H)
3𝐾

From equation (D), we have, E = 2G(1 + 𝛾)------------(D)

 𝐸
So , (1 + 𝛾 ) = --------(I)
2𝐺

2𝐸 𝐸
Multiplying eqn, (I) by 2, (2 + 2𝛾) = = -----(J)
2𝐺 𝐺

𝐸 𝐸
Adding equations (H) and (J), 3= + ;
3𝐾 𝐺

𝐸𝐺+𝐸(3𝐾)
3= ;
3𝐾𝐺

9𝐾𝐺 = 𝐸(𝐺 + 3𝐾);

9𝐾𝐺
𝐸= ;-----(K)
3𝐾+𝐺