What is the formula for Poisson's ratio in terms of bulk modulus and shear modulus?

The formula for Poisson's ratio (ν\nu) in terms of the Bulk Modulus (KK) and the Shear Modulus (GG) is: ν=3K2G6K+2G\nu = \frac{3K - 2G}{6K + 2G}. This relationship is a core result in Linear Elasticity for isotropic materials and is derived by eliminating Young's Modulus (EE) from the two fundamental equations that link the pairs of elastic moduli:

  1. Bulk Modulus: K=E3(12ν)K = \frac{E}{3(1 - 2\nu)}

  2. Shear Modulus: G=E2(1+ν)G = \frac{E}{2(1 + \nu)}

The steps to combine and solve these equations to isolate ν\nu .

1. Starting Relationships

The derivation begins with the two established relationships:

  1. Bulk Modulus (KK) relation (from hydrostatic stress):

    K=E3(12ν) K = \frac{E}{3(1 - 2\nu)}

  2. Shear Modulus (GG) relation (from pure shear stress):

    G=E2(1+ν) G = \frac{E}{2(1 + \nu)}


2. Express EE in terms of GG and ν\nu

From the Shear Modulus relationship, isolate EE:

G=E2(1+ν) G = \frac{E}{2(1 + \nu)}

    E=2G(1+ν) \implies \mathbf{E = 2G(1 + \nu)}

(Equation 3)

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