Question

What is the possible value of posson's ratio? (A) 1 (B) \(0.9\) (C) \(0.8\) (D) \(0.4\)

Short answer

The possible value of Poisson's ratio is (D) \(0.4\).

Step-by-step solution

Range of Poisson's ratio

According to definition, the Poisson's ratio value (\( \nu \)) lies between -1 and 0.5: \[ -1 \leq \nu \leq 0.5 \]

Compare the given options

Compare each of the four given options to the range of Poisson's ratio. Option (A) \(1\): It doesn't fall within the range, so option (A) is not a possible value. Option (B) \(0.9\): It doesn't fall within the range, so option (B) is not a possible value. Option (C) \(0.8\): It doesn't fall within the range, so option (C) is not a possible value. Option (D) \(0.4\): It falls within the range (-1 to 0.5), so option (D) is a possible value for Poisson's ratio. Therefore, the correct option is (D) \(0.4\).

Key concepts

Elastic Constants

Elastic constants are fundamental to understanding material properties in engineering mechanics. They describe how materials deform under various loads and include crucial parameters such as Young's modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio. These constants are vital for predicting how materials behave in real-world applications, from bridges to skyscrapers.
Young's modulus is a measure of a material's stiffness, indicating how much it will stretch or compress under stress. Shear modulus reflects how easily a material can be sheared or twisted, and Poisson's ratio represents the ratio of transverse strain to axial strain.
Understanding elastic constants helps engineers design structures that can withstand different forces and conditions. These values are intrinsic to a material, meaning they do not change unless the material composition is altered. For example, Poisson's ratio typically ranges between -1 and 0.5, indicating materials can either expand or contract sideways when stretched or compressed.

Material Properties

Material properties are characteristics that determine how a material responds to various forces. These properties are essential in selecting the right material for engineering projects. They include mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties, among others.
Mechanical properties like elasticity and plasticity describe how a material will deform or return to its original shape. Elastic materials, which follow Hooke's Law within their elastic limit, are key in many applications, providing reliability and safety in structure design.
Material properties also involve other aspects such as density and thermal conductivity. These factors influence how materials are used and adapted for specific conditions, such as extreme temperatures or load-bearing scenarios. Selecting materials with suitable properties is crucial to ensure durability and performance.

Engineering Mechanics

Engineering mechanics is the branch of physics and applied mathematics that deals with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements. It encompasses various topics, including dynamics, statics, mechanics of materials, and fluid mechanics.
In engineering mechanics, understanding the relationship between forces and motion is essential for solving practical problems. This knowledge enables engineers to design structures and machines that can withstand operational stresses.
Mechanics of materials is a specific area within engineering mechanics that focuses on how different materials resist forces. It considers factors such as stress, strain, and elasticity, helping engineers determine how materials will behave under load.
By using the principles of engineering mechanics, engineers can predict how changes in material properties will influence the overall performance of a structure or machine. This field is fundamental in all engineering disciplines, ensuring the creation of safe, efficient, and effective designs.