1.

7 Elastic Constants
Longitudinal Strain
When a body is subjected to an axial tensile or compressive load, there is a change in
the length of the body. The ratio of this change in length to the original length of the
body, is known as longitudinal strain or linear strain. The longitudinal strain is also
defined as the deformation per unit length of the body, in the direction of the applied
load.
Let l = length of the body

P = tensile force acting on the body

Increase in the length of the body in

l =
along the direction of P
l
Longitudinal strain elo =
l

Lateral Strain
The strain caused to a body, at right angles to the direction of the applied load is known
as lateral strain. Let a rectangular bar of length l breadth b and depth d be subjected to
an axial tensile load P as shown. The length of the bar will increase while the depth and
breadth will decrease.
l = Increase in length
b = decrease in breadth
d = decrease in depth
Increase in breadth or depth
Lateral strain e la = Original breadth or depth
b d
= or
b d

Figure 6 Deformation of a rectangular bar

CH-1 55
Poissons Ratio
The ratio of lateral strain to the longitudinal strain is a constant for a given material,
when a material is stressed within its elastic limit. This ratio is called Poissons ratio and
1
it is generally denoted as or .
m
1
Lateral Strain e la
Therefore, Poissons ratio or = Longitudinal Strain =
m e lo
The value for m for most of the materials is between 3 and 4. Hence the value of
Poissons ratio lies between 0.25 and 0.33. For softer material, like rubber, the
Poissons ratio value ranges from 0.45 to 0.50.

CH-1 56
Problems

1.7.1 Determine the change in length, breadth and depth of a steel bar
4 m long, 30 mm wide, and 20 mm thick, when it is subjected to an axial
pull of 30 KN in the direction of its length. Take E of steel as =
2 10 5 N/mm2 and Poissons ratio as 0.3.

Given data:
Steel bar length, l = 4 m = 4000 mm
breadth, b = 30 mm
thickness, t = 20 mm
Axial load, P = 30 KN = 30,000 N
Es = 2 10 5 N/mm2

1
Poissons ratio = 0.3
m
Solution
Stress
E =
Strain
Stress
Strain =
E
Load
Longitudinal strain, elo Area
=
E
Load
=
Area E
Area of cross section, A = bd
= 30 20
= 600 mm2
30000
Strain = 600 2 100000
= 0.00025
l
longitudinal strain, e lo =
l
Increase in length, l = e lo l
e lo = 0.00025 400
Increase in length = 1 mm
Lateral Strain
Poissons ratio =
Longitudinal Strain
1 e la
=
m e lo
= 0.0025
1
Lateral strain, e la = e lo
m
e la = 0.3 0.00025
= 0.000075

CH-1 57
 e la b
=
b
b = b e la
= 30 0.000075
Decrease in width = 0.00225 mm
t = t e la
= 20 0.000075
Decrease in thickness = 0.0015 mm
Increase in length = 1 mm
Decrease in width = 0.00225 mm
Decrease in thickness = 0.0015 mm

1.7.2 A bar of elastic material is subjected to a direct compressive stress p1 in the

longitudinal direction. Suitable lateral compressive stresses p2 and p3
(p2 = p3) are applied along the other two lateral directions to limit the net
strain in each of the lateral directions to half the magnitude that would be
under p1 acting alone. Find the magnitude of p2 and the net strain in the
longitudinal direction.

Given data:
Direct compressive stress in the longitudinal
= p1
direction
Lateral compressive stress = p2
Solution
Strains due to increase in the length = Positive
Strains due to decrease in length = Negative
p1
Under the action of p1alone, lateral strain =
mE
Under the action of p1, p2 and p3 the condition
p3 p p 1 p1
to be satisfied is - 1 2 = ( )
E mE mE 2 mE
p 1 p p2 p
Since p2 = p3 1 ( 1 ) = 2
mE 2 mE E mE

CH-1 58
 1 p1 p2 1
2 mE = E 1 - m

1 p1 p 2 m - 1
2E m = E m
1 p1
p2 = 2 m - 1
p1 2p 2
Longitudinal strain = -
E mE
1 2p 2
= - ( p1 - )
E m
1 p
2 1
-1 2 m - 1}
= {p1 -
E m
1 p 1
= - (p1 - )
E m(m - 1)
p 1
Net strain in the longitudinal direction = - 1 (1 - )
E m(m - 1)
1 p1
p2 = 2 m - 1
p 1
Net strain in the longitudinal direction = - 1 (1 - )
E m(m - 1)

1.7.3 A steel bar 40 mm 40 mm and 3000 mm long is subjected to an axial

pull of128 KN. Taking E= 2 10 5 N/mm2 and Poisons ratio as 0.3,
calculate the changes in the length and the cross sectional dimensions of
the bar.

Given data:
Dimensions of the steel bar = 40 mm 40 mm 3000 mm
Load on the steel bar, P = 128 KN
= 128000 N
Youngs Modulus, E = 2 10 5 N/mm2
1
Poisons ratio, = 0.3
m
Solution
Load
Stress, p =
Area
P
=
A

CH-1 59
 Area, A = 40 40
= 1600 mm2
128000
P =
40 40
= 80 N/mm2
p
Longitudinal strain, e X =
E
80
=
2 10 5
= 4 10 -4
Lateral strain, e Y e Z = -
p
mE
1p
= -
m E
1
= - eX
m
= - 0.3 4 10 -4

= - 1.2 10 -4
Increase in the length of the bar = e X Original length
= 4 10 -4 3000
Increase in length = 1.2 mm
e y Original lateral
Decrease in lateral dimensions =
dimension
= - 1.2 10 -4 40
= 4.8 10 -3
Decrease in width and thickness, each = 0.0048 mm
Increase in length = 1.2 mm
Decrease in width and thickness, each = 0.0048 mm

CH-1 60
Volumetric Strain
When a body is subjected to forces, it undergoes changes in its dimensions. Hence its
volume is also subjected to a change.
The ratio of change in volume to the original volume of a body is called volumetric strain.
It is denoted by e.
Change in volume
ev = Original volume
v
ev =
V
Where, v = Change in volume
V = Original volume
Let us find the volumetric strain of a rectangular bar which is subjected to an axial load
P, in the direction of its length

Figure 7 Volumetric strain

Consider a rectangular bar of length l, width b, depth d which is subjected to an axial
load P in the direction of the length.
l = Increase in length
b = Decrease in breadth
d = Decrease in depth
On application of the force P, the dimensions change to
Length of the bar = l l
width of the bar = b b
depth of the bar = d d
The original volume of the bar = V l b d
On application of force P, the volume becomes
= l l b b d d bd l
l b d lb d l d b b d l
= l b d b l d d l b
lbd
Since the changes l, b, and d will be very small compared to their original
dimensions, the second and third order of these changes, like
l b, b d or l b d are negligible. Omitting these values, we get the
changed volume as,
= lbd lb d l d b bd l
v = Changed VolumeV
= lbd lb d l d b bd l lbd
=v l b d ld b bd l
v v
=
V lbd
lbd ld b bdl
=
lbd lbd lbd

CH-1 61
 d b l
=
d b l
Note: sign change is on account of the force being applied in one direction and dimensional
changes in the other directions are negative (decrease).
= Longitudinal Strain 2 x Lateral Strain
l b d
=
l b d
= e lo 2 e la

1 Lateral Strain
Poissons Ratio, =
m Longitudinal Strain
1
Lateral strain, ela = Longitudinal strain e lo
m
2 e lo 2
= e lo = e lo 1
m m
l 2
= 1
l m

Volumetric Strain of a Cylindrical Rod

Let l = Original length of the rod
d = original diameter of the rod
1
= Poissons ratio
m
P = axial pull applied to the rod
l = increase in length of the rod
d = decrease in diameter of the rod
l+ l = final length of the rod
d- = final diameter of the rod
2
Now, original volume of the rodod= d l
4
v
=
V

final volume of the rod e =
rod d d 2 l l
4
=
2
4

d d 2d d l l
2

d 2 l d 2 l 2d d l
2
d l sd l 2 d l l
2
=
4

=
4

d l 2d d l d l
2 2

Neglecting other terms which are very small, change in volume of the rod is given by

CH-1 62
 V = final volume - initial volume
=
4

2
d l l 2d d l d 2 l d 2 l

4
2
= d l 2d d l
4 4
Volumetric strain is given by
V Change in Volume
ev = = Original Volume
V
2
d l 2d d l
4 4
= -----------(1)
2
d l
4
1 Lateral Strain
=
m Longitudinal Strain
1
Lateral strain =
m
Longitudinal strain
1 l
= l
m
l 1 l
From equation (1), we get ev = 2
l m l
l 2
= 1
l m
2
= e 1 1
m
l
where e l = Longitudinal strain
l

CH-1 63
Volumetric Strain of a Sphere
d 3
Volume of a sphere of diameter, d =
6
Change in volume due to a small change v
in d =
3
d
V = 6

Differentiating, v = x 3d 2 d
6

= x d 2 d
2
v
=
V

x d 2 d
2
=
d 3
6
2
d d x 6
=
2 x d3
3 d
=
d
volumetric strain of a sphere, 3 d
ev =
d
Note: Alternatively, the changed diameter can be taken as d d ; changed volume
can be found and hence the strain

CH-1 64
Volumetric Strain - Three Mutually Perpendicular Forces Acting
on a Rectangular Bar
Consider a rectangular block of dimensions x, y, z subjected to tensile stresses along
the three mutually perpendicular directions as shown.

Pz
Py

Px Px

Py
Pz
Figure 8 Three forces acting on a rectangular bar
Volume of block, v = xyz
Taking logarithm on both sides, we have
Log v = Log x + Log y + Log z
Differentiating the above equation, we get
v x y z
=
v x y z
v
v
=
Change i n volume
Original volume
ex

x
= ex
x
= ex Strain in the x-direction
y
=
e y Strain in the y-
y direction
z e Strain in the z
x
=
z direction
v
= ex ey ez
v
1 Lateral Strain
Poissons ratio, =
m Longitudinal Strain

Lateral Strain =
Longitudinal Strain
m
E = Longitudinal Stress
Longitudinal Strain
CH-1 65
 Longitudinal Stress
Longitudinal Strain =
E
Longitudinal Stress
Lateral Strain =
mE

Longitudinal strain due to force in x direction =

px
=
E
Lateral strain in x direction due to force in y py
direction =
Em
Similarly, lateral strain in x direction due to p
z
force in Z direction =
Em
Since three forces are acting, the strain in x direction = longitudinal strain due to force in
x direction lateral strain due to force in y direction lateral strain due to force in z
direction.
px py pz
Total strain in x direction, e x =
E mE mE

=
px
E

1
mE
p y p z
Similarly, e
y =
py
E

1
p p
mE x z

pz 1
e = p p
z E
mE x y

1
Adding all the strains we get e x e
y e
z
=
E
p
x
p
y
p
z

2
p p p

mE x y z

1


2
= E
p p p
1
x y z m
v e e
= e
x y z
V
v 1 2
Volumetric strain, = p p p 1
V E x y z
m

Bulk Modulus
Bulk modulus is a measure of change in the volume of a material under stress. It is the
ratio of the longitudinal stress to the volumetric strain.
Mathematically,

CH-1 66
 Longitudin al Stress
Bulk modulus, K =
Volumetric Strain

Youngs Modulus E and Bulk Modulus K

Figure 9 Bulk modulus

The cube ABCDEFGH is subjected to three mutually perpendicular tensile stresses of
equal intensity.
l = Change in length

l = Length of the cube

E = Youngs modulus

p = Tensile stress
Tensile stress acting on the faces
Modulus of elasticity, E =
Strain
1
= Poissons ratio
m
Volume of a cube = V = l3
Now let us consider the strain on one side AB of the cube under the action of the three
mutually perpendicular stresses. This side will suffer the following three strains:
1. Strain due to the stresses on the faces AHED and BGFC this strain is tensile and is
p
equal to: .
E
2. Strain on AB due to stresses on the faces ABGH and CDEF this is a compressive
p
lateral strain and is equal to:
mE
3. Strain on AB due to stresses on the faces ABCD and EFGH this is also a
p
compressive lateral strain and is equal to . So the total strain on AB is given by
mE

CH-1 67
 p 2p p 2
l 1 ----
= E mE E m
l
- 1

Original volume of the cube, v = l 3 --------------------------- 2

Differentiating we get, v = 3 l 2 l --------------------- 3

v 3 l 2 l 3 l
dividing (3) by (2) we get, = =
v 3l l
l p 2
But, = 1 from 1 ,
l E m
v p 2
= 3 1
v E m
Stress
Bulk modulus, K = volumetric strain

p
=
v
v

p
K =
3p 2
1
E m

E
K =
2
3 1
m
2
E = 3K 1
m

CH-1 68
Modulus of Elasticity, Modulus of Rigidity, and Bulk Modulus
Stress p
Youngs Modulus, E = =
Strain e
Longitudinal Stress
Bulk modulus, K = Volumetric Strain

E
K =
2
3 1
m
2 E
1
m = ---------- 1
3K
shear stress
Modulus of rigidity, G = shear strain
=

Then G =

shear strain, =
G
1
E = 2 G 1
m
1 E
1 m =
2G
--------------------(2)
Multiplying equation 1 and 2,
2
we have, 1
m

E E

=
3K
2G
1

1 m

E
Substituting, K =
2
3 1
m

2 1 E E

1 m
x 1 m =
E 2G
3
2
31
m
2 1 2 E

1 m
x 1 m =
1 m
x
2G
1 E

1
=
m 2G
1 E
2 1 m

=
G
2 E
2 = -------- 3
m G

CH-1 69
Adding equation 1 & 3,
2 2 E E
1 + 2 = +
m m 3K G
E E
3 = +
3K G
E 3K G
3 =
3KG
9KG = E 3 K G
9KG
Youngs modulus, E = 3K G

CH-1 70
Problems

1.7.4 A steel bar 300 mm long, 50 mm wide, 40 mm thick is subjected to a pull of

300 KN in the direction of its length. Take the modulus of elasticity of steel
1
as 2 10 5 N/mm2 and the Poissons ratio as . Determine the change in
4
volume.

Given data:
Length, l = 300 mm
width, b = 50 mm
Thickness, t = 40 mm
pull, P = 300 KN
E = 2 10 5
1 1
Poissons ratio, = 0.25
m 4
Solution
Original volume = V l b t
= 50 300 40

= 610 5 mm3
Stress
E = Strain
P
A
=
l
l
l P
=
l AE
300 10 3
=
500 40 2 10 5
= 0.00075
2
l 1
m
ev =
L
2
= 0.00075 1
4
= 0.000375
v
= 0.000375
V
v = V 0.000375

Change in the volume, v = 225 m3

CH-1 71
 1.7.5 A square prism of wood 50 mm x 50 mm cross-section and 300 mm long is
subjected to a tensile stress of 40 N/mm2 along its longitudinal axis and
compressive stress of 20 N/mm2 on one set of lateral faces and a lateral
tensile stress of 10 N/mm2 on the other set of lateral faces. Find the
changed dimensions of the prism. Take Poissons ratio = 0.4 and the
modulus of elasticity = 1.5 x 104.

Given data:
50 mm 50 mm 300
Dimensions of the square prism =
mm
Tensile stress along longitudinal axis = 40 N/mm2
Compressive stress on one set of faces = 20 N/mm2
Lateral tensile stress on the other set of
= 10 N/mm2
faces
1
Poissons ratio, 0.4
m =
Modulus of elasticity, E = 1.510 4 N/mm2
Solution
40 10 20
The strain along the length, e x =
E mE mE
1 1 1
= 40 10 20
E m m
1
ex = (40 - 10 0.4 20 0.4)
E
44
=
E
44
=
1.5 10 4
= 2.9333 10 -3
10 40 20
The strain along the breadth, e y =
E mE mE
1 1 1
= (10 40 20 )
E m m
1
= (10 40 0.4 20 0.4)
E

CH-1 72
 2
=
E
2
=
1.5 10 4
= 1.3333 10 -4
20 40 10
The strain along the height, e Z =
E mE mE

= 1 1 1
( 20 40 40 10 )
E m m
1
= ( 20 40 0.4 10 0.4)
E
40
=
E
40
=
1.5 10 4
= - 2.667 10 -3
Increase in length = strain length
= 2.9333 10 -3 300
= 0.88mm
Increase in width = 1.3333 10 4 50
= 0.0067mm
Decrease in depth = 2.6667 10 -3 50
= 0.133mm
Changed dimensions
Length = 0.88mm
Width = 0.0067mm
Depth = 0.133mm

CH-1 73
 1.7.6 A bar of steel is of square section 60 mm x 60 mm and is180 mm long. It is
subjected to an axial compressive load of 300 KN. The lateral strain is
1
prevented by the application of uniform external pressure. If, = 0.3 and
m
E = 2x105 N/mm2, find the change in the length of the bar. If, however, only
half of the lateral strain is prevented what would be the change in the length
of the bar?

Given data:
Dimensions of the steel bar = 60 mm 60 mm 180 mm
Axial compressive load = 300 KN
1
Poissons ratio, = 0.3
m
Modulus of elasticity, E = 2 105

Solution
Let the compressive stresses applied to the side faces be p2 and p3. Due to symmetry
p2 = p3. Let us consider the strains due to increase in length as positive and the strains
due to decrease in length as negative.
Case (1) when the lateral strain is prevented
P 300 1000
Longitudinal stress, p1 = N/mm2
A 60 60
250
= N/mm2
3
The condition when lateral strain is
p p p = 0
prevented, 2 2 1
E mE mE
1
( p 2 0.3p 2 0.3p1 ) = 0
E
p 2 0.3p 2 0.3p1 = 0

CH-1 74
 0.7p 2 0.3p1 = 0
0.3
Therefore, p 2 = (p1 )
0.7
0.3 250
=
0.7 3
250
=
7
1
Therefore, longitudinal strain = ( - p1 p 2 p 3 )
E
1 250 250
= ( 2 0.3 )
E 3 7
1 - 1750 450
= ( )
E 21
1300
= -
21E
1300
= -
21 2 10 5
= - 3.09524 10 -4
Therefore, decrease in length = 3.09524 10 -4 180
Decrease in length = 0.0557mm
Case (2) When only half the lateral strain is prevented
Suppose the lateral stresses had not been applied the lateral strain would be p1/mE.
Since half this strain is prevented by the application of the lateral stresses, we have the
following condition for lateral strain
p2 p2 p 1 p1
1 =
E mE mE 2 mE
1 1 1 1 p1
( p 2 p 2 p1 ) =
E m m E 2m
1
(-p 2 0.3p 2 0.3p1 ) = (0.3p1 )
2
- 0.7p 2 0.3p1 = 0.15p1
- 0.7p 2 = 0.15p1 0.3p1
- 0.7p 2 = - 0.15p 1
0.15
p2 = p1
0.7
0.15 250
=
0.7 0.3
= 17.86 N/mm2
p1 p 2 p
Longitudinal strain = 3
E mE mE
1
= ( p1 0.3p 2 0.3p 3 )
E
1
= - ( p1 2 0.3 p 2 )
E
1 250
= - ( 2 0.3 17.86)
2 10 5
3

CH-1 75
 1
= - (83.33 10.716)
2 10 5
1
= - (72.61)
2 10 5
= - 3.6309 10 -4
Decrease in length = 3.6309 10 -4 180
Decrease in length = 0.0645 mm

1.7.7 A steel bar of 40 x 40 mm in cross section is 120 mm long. It is subjected to

a tensile load of 200 KN along the longitudinal axis and tensile loads of
500 KN and 400 KN on the lateral faces. (a) Find the change in the
dimensions of the bar and the change in volume. (b) Find also what axial
longitudinal tensile load, acting alone can produce the same longitudinal
strain as in (a). Take E = 2x105 N/mm2 and 1/m = 0.3.

Given data:
Dimensions of the steel bar = 40 mm 40 mm 120 mm
Tensile load along the longitudinal
= 200 KN
axis
Tensile load along the lateral faces = 500 KN and 400 KN

CH-1 76
Solution
(a) Let the reference axis be X, Y, and Z as shown in the figure.
200 1000
The stress along the X axis, p X =
40 40
= 125 N/mm2
500 1000
The stress along the Y axis, p Y =
40 120
= 104.17 N/mm2
400 1000
The stress along the Z axis, p Z =
40 120
= 83.33 N/mm2
pX pY pZ
Strain along the X-axis, e X = - -
E mE mE
1 1 1
= (p X p y p z )
E m m
1
= 125 0.3 104.17 0.3 83.3
2 10 5
1
= 125 31.251 24.99
2 10 5
1
= 68.759
2 10 5
= 0.0003438 mm
Increase in length, e X = 0.0003438 mm 120 mm
Increase in length = 0.041256 mm
pY pX pZ
Strain along the Y-axis e Y = - -
E mE mE
1 1 1
= (p Y p X p z )
E m m
1
= (104.17 - 0.3(125 83.3))
2 10 5
1
= (104.17 - 62.49)
2 10 5
1
= (41.68)
2 10 5
= 0.0002084 mm
Increase in width = Strain width
= 0.0002084 40 mm
Increase in width = 00834 mm
Due to symmetry, decrease in depth
= 0.00834 mm
(b) Let p be the axial stress acting alone longitudinally i.e, along the X-axis to
produce the same longitudinal strain.
p
Longitudinal strain, = 0.0003438 mm
E
p = 0.0003438 E
= 0.0003438 2 10 5

CH-1 77
 = 68.76 N mm 2
P = pA
= 68.76 40 40
= 11000N
Longitudinal tensile load to produce
same longitudinal strain = 110 KN
Increase in length = 0.041256 mm
Increase in width = 00834 mm
Due to symmetry, decrease in
depth = 0.00834 mm
Longitudinal tensile load to
produce same longitudinal strain = 110 KN

1.7.8 A bar of metal 100 mm x 50 mm in cross -section is 250 mm long .It carries
a tensile load of 400 KN in the direction of its length, a compressive load of
4000 KN on its 100 mm x 250 mm faces and a tensile load of 2000 KN on
its 50 mm x 250 mm faces. If E = 2 x 105 N/mm2 and poisons ratio is 0.25,
find the change in volume of the bar. What changes must be made to the
4000 KN load in order that there shall be no change in volume of the bar.

Given data:
Dimensions of the steel bar = 100 mm x 50 mm x 250 mm
Tensile load on the
100 mm 50 mm face of the steel = 400 KN
bar, P1
Tensile load on the
250 mm 50 mm face of the steel = 2000 KN
bar, P2
Tensile load on the
100 mm 250 mm face of the steel = 4000 KN
bar, P3
Youngs Modulus, E = 2 10 5
1
Poisons ratio, = 0.25
m

CH-1 78
Let the reference axes be X, Y, and Z as shown in the figure.

Stress =
Load
Area
P
A
P1
Stress along the X axis, p X =
A
400 1000
=
100 50
= 400 N 400 1000 N
= 80 N/mm2 (tensile)
P2
Stress along the Y axis, p Y =
A
2000 1000
=
250 50
= 160 N/mm2 (tensile)
P3
Stress along the Z axis, p Z =
A
4000 1000
=
100 250
= -160 N/mm2 (compressive)
2 1
Volumetric strain, e V = ( p X p Y p Z )(1 )
m E
1
= (80 160 - 160)(1 - 0.5)( )
2 10 5
1
=
5000
Change in volume = e V Original volume
1
= 250 100 50
5000
The change in volume of the bar = 250 mm3
The condition for no change in
volume p X p Y p Z is = 0
Therefore, 80 160 p Z = 0
pZ = -240 N/mm2 (Compressive)
Therefore, the compressive load to
be applied on the 250 mm x 100 mm = 240 250 100
face of the steel bar
= 6000000 N
= 6000 KN
The load 4000KN is to be increased to 6000 KN

CH-1 79
1.7.9 The modulus of rigidity of a material is 0.8 x 10 5 N/mm 2 . When a
6 mm x 6 mm rod of this material was subjected to an axial pull of 3600 N,
it was found that the lateral dimension of the rod changed to 5.9991 mm.
Find the Poissons ratio and the modulus of elasticity.

Given data:
Cross section of the rod = 6mm x 6mm
Arial pull, P = 3600 N
Reduced lateral dimension due to pull = 5.9991 mm
Solution

Area of cross section of the rod, A = 6 x 6 = 36 mm2

P
Stress, p = A
3600
=
36
= 100 N/mm2
Change in lateral dimension
Lateral strain = Original lateral dimension
6 5.9991
=
6
0.0009
=
6

= 0.00015

p
Lateral strain, = = 0.00015
mE
p
mE =
0.00015
100
=
0.00015
2 10 6
=
3
E = 2C (1+ 1/m)
mE = 2C (m+1)
2 10 6
= 2 x 0.8 x105 (m+1)
3
m+1 = 4.167
m = 3.167
1 1
Poissons Ratio, =
m 3.159
Poissons Ratio = 0.3159
2 10 6
E= mE m =
3 3.167

CH-1 80
 20 10 5
=
9.501
Modulus of elasticity E = 2.1 10 5 N/mm2
Poissons Ratio = 0.3159
Modulus of elasticity E = 2.1 10 5 N/mm2

1.7.10 A bar of uniform rectangular cross sectional area A, is subjected to an axial

tensile load, P. Show that the volumetric strain is given by
P
ev = [1 2/m ], where E is the Youngs modulus and 1/m is the
AE
Poissons ratio.

Given data:
Cross sectional area = A
Tensile load = P
Youngs modulus = E

Solution
P
Longitudinal Strain, e =
AE
Lateral strain = Strain on width = Strain on depth
1 Lateral Strain
Poissons ratio, =
m Longitudinal Strain
1
Lateral strain = Longitudinal strain m
P 1
=
AE m
Longitudinal strain-strain on width
Volumetric strain, ev =
- strain on depth
ev = Longitudinal stain-2 (Lateral strain)
P P 1
= 2
AE AE m
P 2
ev = (1- )
AE m

CH-1 81
 1.7.11 A bar 30mm x 30 mm x 250 mm was subjected to a pull of 90 kN in the
direction of its length. The extension of the bar was found to be 0.125 mm,
while the decrease in each lateral dimension was found to be 0.00375 mm.
Find the Youngs modulus, Poissons ratio. Modulus of rigidity, and Bulk
modulus for the material of bar.

Given data:
Cross section of the bar = 30 mm 30 mm
Length of the bar, l = 250 mm
Axial pull, P = 90kN
= 90000N
Elongation, l = 0.125 mm

Decrease in lateral dimension = 0.00375 mm

Solution
P
P =
A
90000
Stress, p =
30 30
= 100 N/mm2
l
Longitudinal strain, e =
l
0.125
=
250
= 5 10 4
p
Youngs modulus =
e
100
=
5 10 4
= 2 105 N/mm2
Change in lateral dimension
Lateral strain = Original lateral dimension
0.00375
=
30
= 1.25 10 4
1 Lateral Strain
Poissons ratio, =
m Longitudinal Strain
1.25 10 -4
=
5 10 - 4
= 0.25
1
E = 2C[1+ ]
m
2 105 = 2C (1+0.25 )
Modulus of rigidity, C = 0.8 x 105 N/mm2

CH-1 82
 2
E = 3K(1- )
m
2 105 = 3K(1-2 0.25)
Bulk modulus, K = 1.333 x 105 N/mm2
Youngs modulus = 2 105 N/mm2
Poissons ratio = 0.25
Modulus of rigidity = 0.8 x 105 N/mm2
Bulk modulus = 1.333 x 105 N/mm2

1.7.12 A steel bar, 50 mm wide, 12 mm thick, and 300 mm long, is subjected to an

axial pull of 84 kN. Find the change in the length, width, thickness, and in
the volume of the bar. Take E = 2 x 105 and Poissons ratio = 0.32.

Given data:
Width, w = 50 mm
Thickness, t = 12 mm
Length, l = 300 mm
Axial pull, P = 84kN= 84000N
E = 2 x 105
1
Poissons ratio, = 0.32
m
Solution
Longitudinal stress = p
= P/A
84000
=
5 12
= 140 N/mm2
Longitudinal strain , e = p/E
140
=
2 10 5
= 0.0007
Lateral strain = Poissons ratio x Longitudinal
strain
= 0.32 x 0.0007
= 0.000224

Increase in length, l
Decrease in width
Decrease in thickness, d
Volumetric strain, ev =el +eb+ et
Increase in volume, ev
CH-1
= el
= 0.0007 x 300 = 0.21 mm
= Lateral strain x original width
= 0.000224 x 50 = 0.0112 mm
= Lateral strain x Original thickness
= 0.000224 x12
= 0.0027 mm
= 0.0007 2 x 0.000224
= 0.000252 (+)
= .000252x300x50 x 12 mm 3
83
 Increase in volume = 45.36 mm3
Increase in length = 0.21mm
Decrease in width = 0.0112mm
Decrease in thickness = 0.0027 mm

1.7.13 A steel rod 4m long and 20mm diameter is subjected to an axial tensile load
of 45kN. Find the change in length, diameter, and in the volume of the rod.
1
Take E = 2 x 105 N/mm2 and Poissons ratio = .
4

Given data:
Length of the rod, l = 4m
= 4000 mm
Diameter of the rod, d = 20 mm
Axial load, P = 45kN
= 45000N
E = 2 x 105 N/mm2
1 1
=
m 4
Solution

Area of the rod, A = 20 20 mm2
4
P 45000
Tensile stress, p = 143.2 N/mm2
A 314.2
p
Longitudinal strain, e =
E
143.2
=
2 10 5
= 0.000716
Increase in length = exl
= 0.000716 4000
= 2.864 mm
Lateral strain = Strain on diameter
1
Lateral strain = Longitudinal strain
m
1
= 0.000716
4
= 0.000179
Decrease in diameter = 0.000179 20
= 0.000258 mm
Volumetric strain, ev = Strain on length + Twice the strain on
diameter
= 0.000716 2 x 0.000179 = 0.000358
Increase in volume = ev original volume

CH-1 84

= 0.000358 4
20 20 4000
= 449.9 mm3
Increase in volume = 449.9 mm3
Increase in length = 2.864mm
Decrease in diameter = 0.000258mm

CH-1 85