ELASTIC CONSTANTS

When a body is subjected to an axial tensile load, there is an increase in length of the body.
But at the same time there is a decrease in other dimensions of the body at right angles to the line
of action of the applied load. Thus the body is axial deformation and deformation at right angles to
the line of action of the applied load (Lateral deformation).

LONGITUDINAL STRAIN

When a body is subjected to an axial tensile or compressive load, there is an axial

deformation in the length of the body.
Let L = length of the body, P = Tensile force acting on the body, DL = increase in the length of
the body in direction of p. Longitudinal strain = DL/ l

LATERAL STRAIN
The strain at right angles to the direction of applied load. The length of bar will increase
while the breadth and depth will decrease.

Let DL = increase in length, Db = decrease in breadth, Dd = decrease in depth

Lateral strain = Db/b or Dd/d

Note:

• If longitudinal strain is tensile, the lateral strain is compressive.

• If longitudinal strain is compressive, the lateral strain is tensile.
• Hence every longitudinal strain in the direction of load is accompanied by lateral strains of
the opposite kind in all directions perpendicular to the load.

POISSION’S RATIO
The ratio of lateral strain to the longitudinal strain is a constant for a given material, when
the material is stressed within the elastic limit. It is generally denoted by U. Hence mathematically.
 Poisson’s ratio U = lateral strain/longitudinal strain
The value of Poisson’s ratio varies from 0.25 to 0.33, For rubber, its value ranges from 0.45 to 0.50

VOLUMETRIC STRAIN
The ratio of change in volume to the original volume of a body (when the body is subjected
to a single force or a system of forces). It is denoted by Ev, Hence mathematically.
Ev = Dv/v

Where Dv = change in volume, v = original volume

BULK MODULUS
When a body is subjected to the mutually perpendicular like and equal direct stresses, the
ratio of direct stress to the corresponding volumetric strain is found to be constant for a given
material when deformation is within a certain limit. It denoted by K. Hence mathematically.
𝐷𝑣
K = direct stress/ volumetric strain = ₹/ 𝑣

Example1: Determine the value of Poisson’s ratio of a metallic bar of length 30cm, breadth 4cm
and depth 4cm when the bar is subjected to an axial compressive load of 400KN. The decrease of
length is given as 0.075cm and increase in breadth is 0.003cm.

Solution
Given L = 30cm, b = 4cm, d = 4cm, A = b × d = 4×4 = 16cm² = 16 × 100 = 1600mm², p = 400KN =
400000N, DL = 0.075cm, Db = 0.003cm
𝐷𝑙 0.075
Longitudinal strain = = = 0.0025
𝑙 30
𝐷𝑏 0.003
Lateral strain = = = 0.00075
𝑏 4
0.00075
Poisson’s ratio = lateral strain/longitudinal strain = = 0.3
0.0025

Example2:A steel bar which is 4m long, 30mm wide and 20mm thick and is subjected to an axial
pull of 30KN in the direction of its length. Take Poisson’s ratio = 0.3. Determine the volumetric
strain and final volume of the given steel bar.
Solution
Given L = 4m = 4 × 1000 = 4000mm, b = 30mm, d = 20mm, U = 0.3
Original volume V = l × b × d = 4000 × 30 × 20 = 2400000mm³
DL/l = 0.00025
𝐷𝑙
Volumetric strain Ev = (1 − 2𝑈) = 0.000025(1-2 × 0.3) = 0.0001
𝑙

Dv/v = 0.0001 Dv = 0.0001 × v = 0.0001 × 2400000 = 240mm³

Final volume = original volume + Dv = 2400000 + 240 = 2400240mm³