STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

2.5. VOLUMETRIC STRAIN..

The ratio of change in volume to the original volume of a body (when the body is subjected
to a single force or a system of forces) is called volumetric strain. It is denoted by ev.
Mathematically, volumetric strain is given by
δV
ev =
V
where δV = Change in volume, and
V = Original volume.
2.5.1. Volumetric Strain of a
Rectangular Bar which is Subjected to an
d
Axial Load P in the Direction of its Length.
Consider a rectangular bar of length L, width b P P
and depth d which is subjected to an axial load P
b
in the direction of its length as shown in Fig. 2.2. L
Let δL = Change in length,
Fig. 2.2
δ b = Change in width, and
δ d = Change in depth.
∴ Final length of the bar = L + δL
Final width of the bar = b + δb
Final depth of the bar = d + δd
Now original volume of the bar, V = L.b.d
Final volume = (L + δL)(b + δb)(d + δd)
= L.b.d. + bdδL + Lbδd + Ld.δb
(Ignoring products of small quantities)
∴ Change in volume,
δV = Final volume – Original volume
= (Lbd + bdδL + Lbδd + Ldδb) – Lbd
= bdδL + Lbδd + Ldδb
∴ Volumetric strain,
δV
ev =
V
bdδL + Lbδ d + Ldδb
=
Lbd
δL δ d δb
= + + ...(2.4)
L d b
δL δd δb
But = Longitudinal strain and or are lateral strains.
L d b
Substituting these values in the above equation, we get
ev = Longitudinal strain + 2 × Lateral strain ...(i)
From equation (2.3A), we have
∴ Lateral strain = – μ × Longitudinal strain.
Substituting the value of lateral strain in equation (i), we get
ev = Longitudinal strain – 2 × μ longitudinal strain

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 ELASTIC CONSTANTS

= Longitudinal strain (1 – 2μ)

δL
= (1 – 2μ) ...(2.5)
L
Problem 2.3. For the problem 2.1, determine the volumetric strain and final volume of
the given steel bar.
Sol. Given :
The following data is given in problem 2.1 :
L = 4000 mm, b = 30 mm, t or d = 20 mm, μ = 0.3.
Original volume, V = L.b.d = 4000 × 30 × 20 = 2400000 mm3
FG IJ
δL
H
The value of longitudinal strain i. e.,
K
L
in problem 2.1 is calculated

δL
as, = 0.00025
L
Now using equation (2.5), we have
δL
Volumetric strain, ev = (1 – 2μ)
L
= 0.00025(1 – 2 × 0.3) = 0.0001. Ans.
δV FG∵ δV IJ
or
V
= 0.0001
H ev =
V K
∴ δV = 0.0001 × V
= 0.0001 × 2400000 = 240 mm3
∴ Final volume = Original volume + δV
= 2400000 + 240 mm3
= 2400240 mm3. Ans.
Problem 2.4. A steel bar 300 mm long, 50 mm wide and 40 mm thick is subjected to a
pull of 300 kN in the direction of its length. Determine the change in volume. Take E = 2 × 105
N/mm2 and μ = 0.25.
Sol. Given :
Length, L = 300 mm
Width, b = 50 mm
Thickness, t = 40 mm
Pull, P = 300 kN = 300 × 103 N
Value of E = 2 × 105 N/mm2
Value of μ = 0.25
Original volume, V = L×b×t
= 300 × 50 × 40 mm3 = 600000 mm3
The longitudinal strain (i.e., the strain in the direction of load) is given by
dL Stress in the direction of load
=
L E
But stress in the direction of load
P P
= =
Area b × t

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STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

300 × 10 3
= = 150 N/mm2
50 × 40
dL 150
∴ = = 0.00075
L 2 × 10 5
Now volumetric strain is given by equation (2.5) as
dL
ev = (1 – 2μ)
L
= 0.00075 (1 – 2 × 0.25) = 0.000375
dV
Let δV = Change in volume. Then represents volumetric strain.
V
dV
∴ = 0.000375
V
or dV = 0.000375 × V
= 0.000375 × 600000 = 225 mm3. Ans.
2.5.2. Volumetric Strain of a Z
Rectangular Bar Subjected to Three Forces Y
which are Mutually Perpendicular.
Consider a rectangular block of dimensions
X X
x, y and z subjected to three direct tensile
stresses along three mutually perpendicular
axis as shown in Fig. 2.3. Y
Z
Then volume of block, V = xyz. Fig. 2.3
Taking logarithm to both sides, we have
log V = log x + log y + log z.
Differentiating the above equation, we get
1 1 1 1
dV = dx + dy + dz
V x y z

dV dx dy dz
or = + + ...(2.6)
V x y z

dV Change of volume
But = = Volumetric strain
V Original volume

dx Change of dimension x
=
x Original dimension x
= Strain in the x-direction = ex
dy
Similarly, = Strain in y-direction = ey
y
dz
and = Strain in z-direction = ez
z

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 ELASTIC CONSTANTS

Substituting these values in equation (2.6), we get

dV
= ex + ey + ez
V
Now, Let σx = Tensile stress in x-x direction,
σy = Tensile stress in y-y direction, and
σz = Tensile stress in z-z direction.
E = Young’s modulus
µ = Poisson’s ratio.
σx
Now σx will produce a tensile strain equal to in the direction of x, and a compressive
E
µ × σx
strain equal to in the direction of y and z. Similarly, σy will produce a tensile strain
E
σy µ × σy
equal to in the direction of y and a compressive strain equal to in the direction of x
E E
σ
and z. Similarly σz will produce a tensile strain equal to z in the direction of z and a comp-
E
µ × σz
ressive strain equal to in the direction of x and y. Hence σy and σz will produce
E
µ × σy µ × σz
compressive strains equal to and in the direction of x.
E E
∴ Net tensile strain along x-direction is given by

σx µ × σy µ × σz σx σy + σz FG IJ
ex =
E
−
E
−
E
=
E
−µ
E
.
H K
σyFG σ + σz IJ
H −µ
K
x
Similarly, ey =
E E
σ Fσ
−µG
+ σy IJ
H K
z x
and ez =
E E
Adding all the strains, we get
1 2µ
e x + ey + ez = (σ + σy + σz) – (σx + σy + σz)
E x E
1
= (σ + σy + σz)(1 – 2µ).
E x
dV
But ex + ey + ez = Volumetric strain = .
V
dV 1
∴ = (σx + σy + σz)(1 – 2µ) ...(2.7)
V E
Equation (2.7) gives the volumetric strain. In this equation the stresses σx , σy and σz
are all tensile. If any of the stresses is compressive, it may be regarded as negative, and the
dV
above equation will hold good. If the value of is positive, it represents increase in volume
V
dV
whereas the negative value of represents a decrease in volume.
V
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STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

Problem 2.5. A metallic bar 300 mm × 100 mm × 40 mm is subjected to a force of 5 kN

(tensile), 6 kN (tensile) and 4 kN (tensile) along x, y and z directions respectively. Determine
the change in the volume of the block. Take E = 2 ×105 N/mm2 and Poisson’s ratio = 0.25.
Sol. Given :
Dimensions of bar = 300 mm × 100 mm × 40 mm
∴ x = 300 mm, y = 100 mm and z = 40 mm
∴ Volume, V = x × y × z = 300 × 100 × 40
= 1200000 mm3
Load in the direction of x = 5 kN = 5000 N
Load in the direction of y = 6 kN = 6000 N
Load in the direction of z = 4 kN = 4000 N
Value of E = 2 × 105 N/mm2
Poisson’s ratio, μ = 0.25
4 kN
∴ Stress in the x-direction,
Load in x-direction 5 kN
σx =
y× z 40
mm
m
5000 0m
300 mm 10
= = 1.25 N/mm2
100 × 40 6 kN Fig. 2.4
Similarly the stress in y-direction is given by,
Load in y-direction
σy =
x×z
6000
= = 0.5 N/mm2
300 × 40
Load in z-direction
And stress in z-direction =
x× y
4000
or σz =
300 × 100
= 0.133 N/mm2
Using equation (2.9), we get
dV 1
= (σx + σy + σz)(1 – 2μ)
V E
1
= (1.25 + 0.5 + 0.113)(1 – 2 × 0.25)
2 × 10 5
1.883
=
2 × 10 5 × 2
1.883
∴ dV = ×V
4 × 10 5
1.883
= × 1200000
4 × 10 5
= 5.649 mm3. Ans.
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 ELASTIC CONSTANTS

Problem 2.6. A metallic bar 250 mm 4 MN

× 100 mm × 50 mm is loaded as shown in
Fig. 2.5.
400 kN
Find the change in volume. Take
E = 2 × 10 5 N/mm 2 and Poisson’s ratio
50

m
= 0.25.

m
mm

0
Also find the change that should be

10
made in the 4 MN load, in order that there 250 mm
should be no change in the volume of the 2 MN
bar. Fig. 2.5
Sol. Given :
Length, x = 250 mm, y = 100 mm and z = 50 mm
∴ Volume, V = xyz = 250 × 100 × 50 = 1250000 mm3
Load in x-direction = 400 kN = 400000 N (tensile)
Load in y-direction = 2 MN = 2 × 106 N (tensile)
Load in z-direction = 4 MN = 4 × 106 N (compressive)
Modulus of elasticity, E = 2 × 105 N/mm2
Poisson’s ratio, µ = 0.25.
Now σx = Stress in x-direction
Load in x-direction
=
Area of cross-section
400000 400000
= = = 80 N/mm2 (tension).
y× z 100 × 50
Load in y-direction
Similarly, σy =
x×z

2 × 10 6
= = 160 N/mm2
250 × 50
4000000
and σz =
250 × 100
= 160 N/mm2 (compression).
Using equation (2.7) and taking tensile stresses positive and compressive stresses
negative, we get
dV 1
= (σx + σy + σz)(1 – 2µ)
V E
dV 1
or = (80 + 160 – 160)(1 – 2 × 0.25)
V 2 × 10 5
80
= × 0.5 = 0.0002.
2 × 10 5
∴ Change in volume,
dV = 0.0002 × V
= 0.0002 × 1250000
= 250 mm3. Ans.

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STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

Change in the 4 MN load when there is no change in volume of bar

dV 1
Using equation (2.7), = (σx + σy + σz)(1 – 2μ)
V E
dV
If there is no change in volume, then =0
V
1
∴ (σ + σy + σz)(1 – 2μ) = 0.
E x
But for most of materials, the value of μ lies between 0.25 and 0.33 and hence the term
(1 – 2μ) is never zero.
∴ σx + σy + σz = 0.
The stresses σx and σy are not to be changed. Only the stress corresponding to the load
4 MN (i.e., stress in z-direction) is to be changed.
∴ σz = – σx – σy = – 80 – 160 = – 240 N/mm2 (compressive)
Load Load Load
But σz = = or 240 =
Area x × y 250 × 100
∴ Load = 240 × 250 × 100 = 6 × 106 N = 6 MN
But already a compressive load of 4 MN is acting.
∴ Additional load that must be added
= 6 MN – 4 MN = 2 MN (compressive). Ans.

2.6. VOLUMETRIC STRAIN OF A CYLINDRICAL ROD..

Consider a cylindrical rod which is subjected to an axial tensile load P.

Let d = diameter of the rod
L = length of the rod
Due to tensile load P, there will be an increase in the length of the rod, but the diameter
of the rod will decrease as shown in Fig. 2.6.
L + δL

P P
d – δd
d

Fig. 2.6
∴ Final length = L + δL
∴ Final diameter = d – δd
Now original volume of the rod,
π 2
L= d ×L
4
π
Final volume = (d – δd)2(L + δL)
4
π 2
= (d + δd2 – 2d × δd)(L + δL)
4
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 ELASTIC CONSTANTS

π 2
= (d × L + δd2 × L – 2d × L × δd + d2 × δL
4
+ δd2 × δL – 2d × δd × δL)
π 2
= (d × L – 2d × L × δd + d2 × δL)
4
Neglecting the products and higher powers of two small quantities.
∴ Change in volume, δV = Final volume – Original volume
π 2 π 2
= (d × L – 2d × L × δd + d2 × δL) – d ×L
4 4
π 2
= (d × δL – 2d × L × δd)
4
Change in volume δV
∴ Volumetric strain, ev = =
Original volume V
π 2
( d × δ L − 2 d × L × δd)
δL 2δd
= 4 = − ...(2.8)
π 2 L d
d ×L
4
δL δd
where is the strain of length and is the strain of diameter.
L d
∴ Volumetric strain = Strain in length – Twice the strain of diameter.
Problem 2.7. A steel rod 5 m long and 30 mm in diameter is subjected to an axial
tensile load of 50 kN. Determine the change in length, diameter and volume of the rod. Take E
= 2 × 105 N/mm2 and Poisson’s ratio = 0.25.
Sol. Given :
Length, L = 5 m = 5 × 103 mm
Diameter, d = 30 mm
π 2 π
∴ Volume, V = d ×L= (30)2 × 5 × 103 = 35.343 × 105
4 4
Tensile load, P = 50 kN = 50 × 103
Value of E = 2 × 105 N/mm2
Poisson’s ratio, μ = 0.25
Let δd = Change in diameter
δL = Change in length
δV = Change in volume
Stress
Now strain of length =
E
Load 1 FG∵ Load IJ
= ×
Area E H Stress =
Area K
P 1 50 × 10 3 1
= × = ×
π E π 2 × 10 5
× d2 × 30 2
4 4

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STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

0.4 × 50 × 10 3
= = 0.0003536
π × 30 2 × 2 × 10 5
δL
But strain of length =
L
δL
∴ = 0.0003536
L
∴ δL = 0.0003536 × 5 × 103
= 1.768 mm. Ans.
Lateral strain
Now Poisson’s ratio =
Longitudinal strain
∴ Lateral strain = Poisson’s ratio × Longitudinal strain
FG∵ δL IJ
= 0.25 × 0.0003536
H Longitudinal strain =
L K
= 0.0000884
δd
But Lateral strain =
d
δd
∴ = 0.0000884
d
∴ δd = 0.0000884 × d
= 0.0000884 × 30 = 0.002652 mm
Now using equation (2.8), we get
δV δL 2δd
Volumetric strain, = −
V L d
= 0.0003536 – 2 × 0.0000884 = 0.0001768
∴ δV = V × 0.0001768
= 35.343 × 105 × 0.0001768
= 624.86 mm3. Ans.

2.7. BULK MODULUS..

When a body is subjected to the mutually perpendicular like and equal direct stresses,
the ratio of direct stress to the corresponding volumetric strain is found to be constant for a
given material when the deformation is within a certain limit. This ratio is known as bulk
modulus and is usually denoted by K. Mathematically bulk modulus is given by
Direct stress σ
K=
Volumetric strain
=
FG IJ
dV
...(2.9)

VH K
2.8. EXPRESSION FOR YOUNG’S MODULUS IN TERMS OF BULK MODULUS..
Fig. 2.7 shows a cube A B C D E F G H which is subjected to three mutually perpendicular
tensile stresses of equal intensity.
Let L = Length of cube
dL = Change in length of the cube

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