MECHANICAL TESTING

Poisson's Ratio Measurement

Poisson measurement is often of interest for design criterion when a material's mechanical properties are evaluated. Often, it is desirable to know two of the elastic material constants. If two are known, the remaining constants such as bulk modulus and shear modulus can easily be calculated. The tensile test can provide two constants, Poisson's ratio and modulus of elasticity. The method involves lateral and transverse strain simultaneously. Either strain gage or extensometers can be used for the strain measurements, but strain gages are preferred for their compact size. There are several limitations to Poisson determinations, but generally these are dictated by the material characteristics.

Index of Mechanical Testing