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Define E, G, K and Poisson's ratio

Short answer

Modulus of elasticity E = normal stress / linear strain. Modulus of rigidity G = shear stress / shear strain. Bulk modulus K = hydrostatic pressure / volumetric strain. Poisson’s ratio ν = |lateral strain| / longitudinal strain.

Define the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rigidity, bulk modulus and Poisson's ratio.

Modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus, EE)

The ratio of normal (tensile or compressive) stress to the corresponding linear strain, within the elastic limit:

E=normal stresslinear strain=σεE = \frac{\text{normal stress}}{\text{linear strain}} = \frac{\sigma}{\varepsilon}

For mild steel, E≈2×105 N/mm2E \approx 2\times10^5\ \text{N/mm}^2.

Modulus of rigidity (shear modulus, GG)

The ratio of shear stress to shear strain within the elastic limit:

G=τϕG = \frac{\tau}{\phi}

where ϕ\phi is the shear strain (angular distortion in radians).

Bulk modulus (KK)

The ratio of the uniform (hydrostatic) stress applied on all faces to the resulting volumetric strain, within the elastic limit:

K=pδV/VK = \frac{p}{\delta V/V}

Poisson's ratio (ν\nu or 1/m1/m)

The ratio of lateral strain to longitudinal (axial) strain within the elastic limit:

ν=∣lateral strainlongitudinal strain∣\nu = \left|\frac{\text{lateral strain}}{\text{longitudinal strain}}\right|

It is about 0.25 to 0.33 for most metals. The constants are related by E=2G(1+ν)=3K(1−2ν)E = 2G(1+\nu) = 3K(1-2\nu).

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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