Poisson's ratio
Polypedia > Properties of polymers > Physical properties
| Poisson's ratio | ||
The Poisson's ratio is the ratio of the relative strain contraction (or transverse strain) normal to the applied load - to the relative extension strain (or axial stress) in the direction of the applied load. The Poisson's coefficient can be expressed as: μ = - et / el (1) where Poisson relation μ = et = transverse deformation el = longitudinal or axial deformation The strain can be expressed as e = dl / L (2) where dl = change in length (m, feet) L = initial length (m, feet) For most common materials the Poisson ratio is in the range of 0 to 0.5. |  | |