Poisson Ratio Calculator
Calculate Poisson's ratio from strain measurements or elastic moduli. Understand material behavior under stress.
Input Values
0.0300% (perpendicular to load)
0.1000% (parallel to load)
Poisson's Ratio
ν = 0.300000
Normal range for common materials
Formula Used:
ν = -ε_lateral / ε_axial
Common Material Values:
What is Poisson's Ratio?
Poisson's ratio (ν) describes how a material deforms in directions perpendicular to the applied load. When a material is stretched in one direction, it typically contracts in the perpendicular directions. Poisson's ratio is the negative ratio of lateral strain to axial strain. For most materials, it ranges from 0 (like cork) to nearly 0.5 (like rubber). A value of 0.5 represents an incompressible material. Some engineered materials have negative Poisson's ratios (auxetic materials) and expand laterally when stretched.
Poisson's Ratio Relationships
From Strain
ν = -ε_lateral / ε_axial
From E and G
ν = E/(2G) - 1
From E and K
ν = (3K - E)/(6K)
Stability Limits
-1 < nu < 0.5 for stable materials