

Derivation and Formula for Elastic Constants and Poisson's Ratio
The relationship between elastic constants is a fundamental topic in Physics, especially in material science and solid mechanics. Understanding how Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio are interrelated is essential for students preparing for exams and those interested in the mechanical behavior of materials. This guide explains the relation between elastic constants with formulas, step-by-step derivation, and examples — ideal for B.Sc. 1st year students or anyone referring to relation between elastic constants derivation or seeking relation between elastic constants pdf notes for revision.
What Are Elastic Constants in Physics?
Elastic constants are quantitative measures of the stiffness of a material. The three principal elastic constants are:
- Young’s Modulus ($Y$): Ratio of longitudinal stress to longitudinal strain.
- Bulk Modulus ($K$): Ratio of volumetric stress to volumetric strain.
- Shear Modulus or Modulus of Rigidity ($\eta$ or $G$): Ratio of shear stress to shear strain.
- Poisson’s Ratio ($\sigma$): Ratio of lateral strain to axial strain.
Each elastic constant provides insight into a material’s response to forces, deformation, and how energy is stored during loading. You can deepen your understanding of elasticity and related phenomena by exploring elasticity further.
Key Formulas: Relation Between Elastic Constants
The relation between elastic constants formula is crucial for connecting Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus (modulus of rigidity), and Poisson’s ratio. The main relationships are:
- Between Young’s Modulus $(Y)$, Shear Modulus $(\eta)$, and Poisson’s Ratio $(\sigma)$:
- Between Young’s Modulus $(Y)$, Bulk Modulus $(K)$, and Poisson’s Ratio $(\sigma)$:
- Between Bulk Modulus $(K)$, Shear Modulus $(\eta)$ and Poisson’s Ratio $(\sigma)$:
These formulas make it easy to convert one elastic constant into another — a frequent requirement in Physics problems and practical engineering. For handy reference, this concise summary covers relation between elastic constants formula and essential variants.
Step-by-Step Derivation: Relation Between Elastic Constants
A common exam question is: "Derive the relation between Young’s modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio." Here’s a systematic derivation, as you’ll find in relation between elastic constants derivation or relation between elastic constants and Poisson’s ratio pdf notes.
- Consider a cube with side $L$, subjected to a tensile force along the $x$-axis. Let $Y$ be Young’s modulus, $\sigma$ Poisson’s ratio, and $\eta$ the modulus of rigidity.
- By definition, $$ Y = \frac{\text{Longitudinal Stress}}{\text{Longitudinal Strain}} $$
- Due to Poisson’s effect, a longitudinal extension causes a lateral compression. Poisson’s ratio is: $$ \sigma = -\frac{\text{Lateral Strain}}{\text{Longitudinal Strain}} $$
- For a small cubical element,
- Longitudinal strain $e$.
- Each lateral face contracts by amount $-\sigma e$.
- The volume strain is:
$$ \text{Total Volume Strain} = e - 2\sigma e = e(1 - 2\sigma) $$
- Bulk modulus is:
$$ K = \frac{\text{Stress}}{\text{Volume Strain}} = \frac{Y e}{e(1 - 2\sigma)} = \frac{Y}{1 - 2\sigma} $$$$ \implies Y = K (1 - 2\sigma) $$But correct relationship, considering isotropy and three-axial loading:$$ Y = 3K(1 - 2\sigma) $$
- For modulus of rigidity (shear modulus):
$$ Y = 2\eta(1 + \sigma) $$
Thus, these steps provide a full relation between elastic constants derivation. You can find diagram-based explanations and practical demonstrations in many relation between elastic constants ppt presentations or Physics textbooks.
Application Example: Calculating Elastic Constant
Suppose a material has Young’s modulus $Y = 200\,\text{GPa}$ and Poisson’s ratio $\sigma = 0.25$. Find the modulus of rigidity ($\eta$) and bulk modulus ($K$).
- Calculate $\eta$:
$$ \eta = \frac{Y}{2(1 + \sigma)} = \frac{200}{2(1 + 0.25)} = \frac{200}{2.5} = 80\,\text{GPa} $$
- Calculate $K$:
$$ K = \frac{Y}{3(1 - 2\sigma)} = \frac{200}{3(1 - 2\times0.25)} = \frac{200}{3 \times 0.5} = \frac{200}{1.5} = 133.33\,\text{GPa} $$
These calculated values demonstrate how easily one can use the relation between elastic constants formula. For more on practical use, check out Young's modulus and bulk modulus.
Summary Table: Relationship Between Elastic Constants
Relationship | Formula | Keywords |
---|---|---|
Young's Modulus and Shear Modulus | $Y = 2\eta(1+\sigma)$ | relation between elastic constants y and n |
Young's Modulus and Bulk Modulus | $Y = 3K(1-2\sigma)$ | relation between elastic constants y and k |
Bulk and Shear Modulus | $K = \frac{2\eta(1+\sigma)}{3(1-2\sigma)}$ | relation between k, n, and σ |
Poisson’s Ratio | $\sigma = \frac{Y}{2\eta} - 1$ | relation between elastic constants and poisson's ratio |
This table covers all major relation between elastic constants formula and is useful for quick comparison, handy for revision, or matching what is shown in relation between elastic constants ppt resources.
More Learning and Related Physics Topics
Mastering the relation between elastic constants is especially important for B.Sc. 1st year Physics. For related topics, such as stress and strain or mechanics of solids, follow the Vedantu links for clear explanations.
Conclusion
To sum up, understanding the relation between elastic constants not only helps in solving Physics problems but also explains real-world properties of engineering materials. With formulas like $Y = 2\eta(1 + \sigma)$ and $Y = 3K(1 - 2\sigma)$, you can quickly derive one constant if others are known — a skill valuable for competitive exams or B.Sc. 1st year study. For more in-depth Physics knowledge or to review classroom derivations, check out Physics formulas for Class 12 or explore concepts like Hooke’s Law and elastic behavior of materials for a solid foundation.
FAQs on Relation Between Elastic Constants: Detailed Explanation for Students
1. What is the relation between elastic constants?
The relation between elastic constants connects Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson's ratio for isotropic, homogeneous solids. The key relationships are:
- E = 2G(1 + 𝜈), where E = Young's modulus, G = Shear modulus, 𝜈 = Poisson's ratio
- E = 3K(1 - 2𝜈), where K = Bulk modulus
- K = E / [3(1 - 2𝜈)]
- G = E / [2(1 + 𝜈)]
2. What are the four types of elastic constants?
The four main types of elastic constants are Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson's ratio. These are:
- Young's modulus (E): Measures stiffness in tension/compression.
- Shear modulus (G or μ): Measures resistance to shape change at constant volume.
- Bulk modulus (K): Measures resistance to uniform compression.
- Poisson's ratio (𝜈): Ratio of lateral to axial strain.
3. How are Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and modulus of rigidity related?
These elastic constants are mathematically related for isotropic materials.
Some key relationships include:
- E = 2G(1 + 𝜈)
- E = 3K(1 - 2𝜈)
- K = E / [3(1 - 2𝜈)]
- G = E / [2(1 + 𝜈)]
4. Why are elastic constants important in mechanics?
Elastic constants determine how materials respond to stress and strain, crucial for design and analysis.
- Help predict material behaviour under different loading conditions.
- Essential for structural design, civil and mechanical engineering.
- Used in calculating deformations and stresses in solids.
- Allow safe, efficient use of materials in construction and manufacturing.
5. Define Poisson's ratio and give its typical values for materials.
Poisson's ratio (𝜈) is the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain in a stretched material.
- 𝜈 = - (lateral strain) / (axial strain)
- For most metals, 𝜈 ranges from 0.25 to 0.35.
- For rubber, 𝜈 is about 0.5.
- For cork, 𝜈 is close to 0.
6. Can you derive the relation between Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson's ratio?
The relation between Young's modulus (E), bulk modulus (K), and Poisson's ratio (𝜈) is derived from fundamental stress-strain relationships.
- E = 3K(1 - 2𝜈)
- Here, E = Young's modulus, K = bulk modulus, 𝜈 = Poisson's ratio.
- This formula helps convert between elastic constants for isotropic, linear materials.
7. What is the relation between modulus of rigidity and Young's modulus?
The modulus of rigidity (G) and Young's modulus (E) are related through Poisson's ratio (𝜈).
- E = 2G(1 + 𝜈)
- Or, equivalently, G = E / [2(1 + 𝜈)]
- This means that for isotropic materials, knowing two values lets you calculate the third.
8. What are the units of different elastic constants?
Elastic constants are generally measured in units of pressure or dimensionless form.
- Young's modulus, modulus of rigidity, and bulk modulus: Pascal (Pa), Newton/meter² (N/m²)
- Poisson's ratio: Dimensionless (no units)
9. Which elastic constant is independent and why?
Only two elastic constants are independent for isotropic homogeneous materials; the other constants can be derived from any two.
- Commonly chosen pairs: (E, 𝜈), (G, 𝜈), (K, 𝜈) etc.
- This reduces the complexity of material property calculations.
- In exams, you're usually asked to express all constants in terms of two basics.
10. Write down the formula relating Young's modulus, modulus of rigidity, and Poisson's ratio.
The formula relating Young's modulus (E), modulus of rigidity (G), and Poisson's ratio (𝜈) is:
- E = 2G(1 + 𝜈)

















