Aircraft Structural Mechanics Lab

Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT-Bombay

Lab Manual Series – M.Tech’05 Batch

EXPERIMENT 2: DETERMINATION OF POISSON’S RATIO

Title:

Determination of Poisson’s Ratio of the specimen using a unique setup which requires
minimum sophistication and minimum instrumentation.

Objectives:

The objective of this experiment is to determine the Poisson’s Ratio using the elementary
theories.

Equipments Used:

1. Specimen mounted as a cantilever beam

2. Scale
3. Glass plate with chalk coating
4. Weights
5. Pan
6. Adjustable stand

Theoretical Background:

Definition: When a sample of material is stretched in one direction, it tends to get thinner in
the other directions. Poisson's ratio (ν), named after Simeon Poisson, is a measure of this
tendency. It is defined as the ratio of the contraction strain normal to the applied load divided
by the extension strain in the direction of the applied load. Tensile deformation is considered
positive and compressive deformation is considered negative. The definition of Poisson's
ratio contains a minus sign so that normal materials have a positive ratio.
Lateral Strain
Poisson ' s Ratio = −
Longitudinal Strain
Relation to elastic moduli and its range: Poisson's ratio is related to elastic moduli K, the
bulk modulus; G as the shear modulus; and E, Young's modulus, by the following. The elastic
moduli are measures of stiffness and are ratios of stress to strain. The Young’s modulus and
shear modulus are related by using the equation given below.
E = 2G (1 + ν )

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 Aircraft Structural Mechanics Lab
Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT-Bombay
Lab Manual Series – M.Tech’05 Batch

The Poisson ratio for most metals falls in between 0.25 to 0.35. The Poisson's ratio is
bounded by two theoretical limits: it must be greater than -1, and less than or equal to 0.5,

The proof for this stems from the fact that E, G, and K are all positive and mutually
dependent. However, it is rare to encounter engineering materials with negative Poisson
ratios. Foams with negative Poisson's ratios were produced from conventional low density
open-cell polymer foams by causing the ribs of each cell to permanently protrude inward,
resulting in a re-entrant structure. Most materials will fall in the range,

Design of the experiment:

This experiment uses elementary beam and torsion theory to obtain the Poisons ratio.
Following steps will be used to obtain the poisons ratio from these theories. We know from
the theory of torsion,
T Gθ
=
J l
Tl
G= …………………………. (1)
Jθ

For a cantilever beam with the point load at the free end, the maximum deflection is given by
Pl 3
δ=
3EI

Pl 3
E= …………………………. (2)
3δ I

When the load 'P' is applied as shown in the Fig. 1, there will be combined bending and
torsion in the cylindrical specimen. Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2,
δ = bθ …………………………. (3)

T = P.a …………………………. (4)

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 Aircraft Structural Mechanics Lab
Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT-Bombay
Lab Manual Series – M.Tech’05 Batch

Pointer used for markings on

l the glass which ensures zero
displacement

P
Test Specimen

a
b

Fig. 1. Schematic of general arrangement used in the experiment

θ
Fig. 2. Deformed shape under the applied load
We know that E and G are related by the equation,
E = 2G (1 + ν )
Using 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the above equation we have,
Pl 3 2Tl
= (1 + ν )
3δ I J θ
l2
ν= −1
3ab
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 Aircraft Structural Mechanics Lab
Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT-Bombay
Lab Manual Series – M.Tech’05 Batch

Please note in the expression that, Poisson's ratio is dependent on dimensions l, a and b and it
is independent of the load applied.

Procedure:

1. Set the chalk coated glass plate such that it is just in contact with the pointer and
making an impression on the plate.
2. Now start with any load at some arbitrary distance on the experimental specimen.
3. Judge whether the pointer is making an impression exactly as before or not. Based on
the thickness of the line, move the pointer either away or towards the centre.
4. Repeat the steps 2 and 3 till you are satisfied that the pointer is making an impression
as it is initially. (This ensures us that the pointer is not deflected from it’s position or
resting on the base)
5. Repeat the steps 2, 3 and 4 for more weights and obtain the readings and tabulate
them and get the results.
Report your observations, results, precautions, comments, conclusions and suggestions.

Exercise:

1. Give examples of materials with extreme values of poisson’s ratio.

2. What are Auxetic Materials? Give some examples.
3. Explain and justify the uses of cork.
4. What is a honey-comb structure? List the possible applications
Suggested References:

[1] Strength of Materials by S. Timoshenko, Princeton: D.Van Nostrand

[2] Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students, T.H.G.Megson, Edward Arnold Press
[3] “The Poisson’s Ratio”,
http://www.efunda.com/formulae/solid_mechanics/mat_mechanics/elastic_constants_E_nu.cf
m
[4] “Encyclopedia: Poisson’s ratio meaning”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poisson's_ratio

[5] “Meaning of Poisson’s ratio” http://silver.neep.wisc.edu/~lakes/Poisson.html

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