Poisson's ratio

American  

Or Poisson ratio

noun

Physics.

1. the ratio, in an elastic body under longitudinal stress, of the transverse strain to the longitudinal strain.

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Poisson's ratio British  

noun

1.  μ.   ν.  a measure of the elastic properties of a material expressed as the ratio of the fractional contraction in breadth to the fractional increase in length when the material is stretched

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Etymology

Origin of Poisson's ratio

First recorded in 1925–30; Poisson distribution

Example Sentences

Even though the inner core is solid, it behaves like a softened metal, slowing seismic shear waves and displaying a Poisson's ratio more similar to butter than to steel.

From Science Daily

By pairing in-situ sound velocity measurements with advanced molecular dynamics simulations, the team detected a dramatic loss of shear wave speed and a sharp increase in Poisson's ratio.

From Science Daily

The behavior of elastic materials is partially described by Poisson's ratio, which explains how the material changes shape when you stretch or squeeze it in one direction.

From Science Daily

Most materials have a positive Poisson's ratio, which means squeezing them in one direction will make them wider and/or thicker in other directions.

From Science Daily

Auxetics have a negative value of Poisson's ratio and do exactly the reverse.

From Science Daily