Poisson’s Ratio-Formula, Significance, Equation, Example (With PDF)

What is Poisson’s Ratio?

Poisson’s ratio of a material is a very important parameter in material science and engineering mechanics. When a force is applied to a bar it deforms (elongates or compresses) in the axial (longitudinal) direction. At the same time, a deformation is observed in the transverse (width) direction as well. Poisson’s ratio relates these changes in the transverse direction and axial direction. This effect is known as Poisson’s effect which is named after the French mathematician and physicist Simeon Poisson. The Poisson’s ratio is defined as the ratio of the transverse strain to that of the axial strain under the influence of the same force. It is a material property and remains constant.

What is Poisson's Ratio?
Fig. 1: Definition of Poisson’s Ratio

Poisson’s Ratio Formula

Let’s deduce the formula for Poisson’s ratio. From the above definition, Poisson’s ratio can be expressed mathematically as

Poisson’s Ratio=Transverse (Lateral) Strain/Axial (Longitudinal) Strain

Let’s understand this philosophy using the example in Fig. 2. In this image, A tensile force (F) is applied in a bar of diameter do and length lo. With the action of this force F, the bar elongates and the final length is l. Also, the diameter reduces and the final diameter is d.

Poisson's ratio explanation
Fig. 2: Poisson’s ratio explanation

So from the above, Axial Strain, Longitudinal Strain, or Linear Strain= (Change in Length/Original Length)=(l-lo)/lo. Similarly, Lateral Strain or Transverse Strain=(Change in Diameter/Original base Diameter)=(d-do)/do. So, as per the definition, the equation of Poisson’s Ratio or Poisson’s ratio formula can be written as follows

Poisson’s Ratio=Lateral Strain/Longitudinal Strain={(d-do)/do}/((l-lo)/lo}= lo(d-do)/do(l-lo)

Poisson’s Ratio Example

Similar to Young’s modulus, Poisson’s Ratio is the property of a material and is constant. However, the value of Poisson’s ratio changes with temperature. Young’s modulus, the shear modulus, and the bulk modulus are related to Poisson’s ratio. For these modules to have positive values, the Poisson’s ratio of a stable, isotropic, linear elastic material must be between −1.0 and +0.5. The value of Poisson’s ratio normally ranges between 0.0 and 0.5. The following table provides a few typical values (range) of Poisson’s ratio for common materials.

MaterialPoisson’s Ratio
Carbon Steel0.27–0.30
Cast iron0.21–0.26
Stainless steel0.30–0.31
Aluminium-alloy0.32
Copper0.33
Inconel0.27-0.38
Gold0.42–0.44
Silver0.37
Platinum0.39
Glass0.18–0.3
Foam0.10–0.50
Sand0.20–0.455
Molybdenum0.307
Concrete0.1–0.2
Clay0.30–0.45
Tin0.33
Titanium0.265–0.34
Magnesium alloy0.252–0.289
Rubber0.48-0.4999
Brass0.331
Bronze0.34
Ice0.33
Lead0.431
Monel0.315
Nickel0.31
Polystyrene0.34
Limestone0.2-0.3
Nickel Steel0.291
Tungsten0.28
Table 1: Example of Poisson’s Ratio

Unit of Poisson’s Ratio

Poisson’s ratio is the ratio of two strains. Both longitudinal and lateral strains are dimensionless. So Poisson’s Ratio is dimensionless. There is no unit for Poisson’s Ratio.

Symbol of Poisson’s Ratio

Poisson’s ratio is normally denoted by the Greek letter ν (nu). However, this is not standardized. So users can use any symbol for Poisson’s ratio at their discretion.

FAQs related to Poisson’s Ratio

In this section, we will try to answer a few of the frequently asked questions related to Poisson’s Ratio to clarify the subject better.

What is Poisson’s Ratio?

Poisson’s ratio of a material is defined as the ratio of the lateral strain (change in the width per unit width of a material) to the axial strain (change in its length per unit length) due to the action of a Force.

What does a Poisson ratio of 0.5 means?

Poisson’s ratio of 0.5 signifies that due to the application of a force the deformation change in the width direction is half the deformation change in the axial direction. Normally, for perfectly incompressible isotropic materials the value of Poisson’s ratio is 0.5. Rubber is a typical example.

What is the Poisson’s Ratio of Steel?

The Poisson’s ratio of steel is normally 0.27 to 0.30. When more authoritative data from tests are not available, normally 0.3 is used in design calculations as Poisson’s ratio of Steel material.

Can Poisson’s ratio be greater than 1?

For isotropic material, Poisson’s ratio can not exceed 0.5. However, for anisotropic materials, the value of Poisson’s ratio can be greater than 1 in certain directions. For example, polyurethane foam.

Why Poisson’s ratio is important?

Poisson’s ratio of a material is very important for studying the stress and deflection properties of engineering materials like pipes, beams, vessels, etc.

What if Poisson’s Ratio is Zero?

The Poisson’s ratio of Zero means it does not deform in the lateral direction during elongation or compression in the axial direction by the application of a force. The material Cork is believed to have a near-zero (~0) Poisson’s ratio. This is the reason Corks are ideally used as bottle stopper as it does not expand even when compressed.

Which material has the highest Poisson ratio?

Ignoring specifically designed anisotropic materials, Rubber has the highest value of Poisson’s ratio at 0.4999.

What is the Poisson’s Ratio of Aluminum?

The Poisson’s ratio of Aluminum normally varies between 0.3 to 0.35.

What is the Poisson’s Ratio of Concrete?

The Poisson’s ratio of Concrete normally varies between 0.1 to 0.25. For design calculation, in absence of data, normally 0.2 is used as Poisson’s ratio of Concrete.

Few more related articles for you.

Introduction to Stress-Strain Curve (With PDF)
Stress or Strain: Which comes first?
Hooke’s Law: Statement, Equation, Graph, Applications, Limitations (With PDF)
Young’s modulus: Young’s modulus of Steels [With PDF]

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Anup Kumar Dey

I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around the world.

5 thoughts on “Poisson’s Ratio-Formula, Significance, Equation, Example (With PDF)

  1. Your books really helped me to understand various topics
    Thank you sir
    Keep continue this good work

  2. Dear Mr. Dey,
    Very well explained with nice figures. I would like to reproduce Figures 1 and 2 in my write up under mechanical properties of polymer composites. If you kindly grant your permission. Kindly send you permission by E-mail given below.
    Keep writing such informative topics. Are big help.
    Thanks
    Dr. B R Gupta, Retd. Professor, I I T Kharagpur, India

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