A simple cube of material is inserted into a snug fitting test frame and then a 3,000 lb load is applied on the top surface. The sides of the test frame are stiff and will not deflect at the test load level. Also, the sides are smooth so there is no friction forces as the specimen is loaded.

The objective in testing the specimen is to determine the Poisson's ratio of the material. The Young's modulus, E, is known, 2,000 ksi. Also, the total deflection after loading is 0.001 inches.

Cube Under Loading

A good place to start solving this problem is the full 3D Hooke's law equations.

While these look complex, many terms are easily determined. The vertical stress can be calculated as

     σ_z = F/A = 3000 lb/(1 in)² = 3,000 psi = 3.0 ksi

The other two horizontal stresses are unknown, but must be the same due to symmetric geometry and loading. Thus,

     σ_x = σ_y = p

Next, the three strains can be determined. The vertical strain can be found since the deflection is known, giving

     ε_z = δ/L = (0.001 in) / (1.0 in) = 0.001

The other two strains are also known since the outside walls do not deflect (due to their high stiffness). Thus,

     ε_x = ε_y = 0.0

Also, Young's modulus is known, E = 2,000 ksi.

Simplifying the 3D equations to two equations give,

Next, substituting specific values reduce these equations to

The negative signs represent compression for both strain and stress. There are now two unknowns, p and ν. The second equation can be rearranged to give,

This can be manipulated to give

     3ν² + 0.5ν - 0.5 = 0

Using the quadratic equation, the positive root gives

     ν = 0.3333

This equation can also be solved numerically by graphical methods or by using numerical programs like MathCad, Mathematica, MathLab, or even Excel. The equation is graphed at the left which also gives

     ν = 0.3333

The stresses in the x and y directions can now be determined,

  p = σ_x = σ_y = -1.5 ksi = 1,500 psi