Cross Section of Test System

Specimen Testing Set Up

Susan Placer, a new engineer at AAA Materials Testing Lab, is asked to find the Poisson's ratio for a new epoxy adhesive. The test method used at the lab compresses a 1 in cube specimen under compression. The test frame consists of a 1 in cube hole to place the sample. Then a load is place on the top surface (see figure). The total deflection of the top surface is monitored.

The test sample is a 1 in cube which is placed into a perfectly fitting frame. The frame is substantially more stiff than the sample and will not deflect during the test.

What is known:

• Young modulus, E, is 2,000 ksi.
• The frame is much stiffer than the specimen.
• The cube dimension is 1 in on each side.
• At 3,000 lbs, the cube deflects 0.001 in.
• The sides are frictionless.
• There are no gaps when sample is in the frame.

What is the Poisson's ratio of the new epoxy adhesive? Also, what stresses are generated on the sides of the test frame?

• Since the frame is much stiffer than the specimen, the side deflections can be assumed equal to zero.
• Stress in the x and y directions (horizontal sides of box) are not zero.
• Use the three dimensional equations to set up the problem.
• First, determine Poisson's ratio.
• Second, determine the stress on each side using the Poisson's ratio.