Volume strain

Definition

Volume strain is the change in volume of a material divided by its original volume when subjected to stress. It is a dimensionless quantity indicating how much a material deforms under pressure or external forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Volume strain is represented mathematically as $\Delta V / V_0$, where $\Delta V$ is the change in volume and $V_0$ is the original volume.
2. It is a dimensionless quantity, meaning it has no units.
3. Volume strain occurs in all three dimensions, unlike linear strain which occurs in one dimension.
4. In isotropic materials, volume strain can be related to bulk modulus, which measures the material's resistance to uniform compression.
5. Negative volume strain indicates a decrease in volume, while positive volume strain indicates an increase.

Review Questions

• How is volume strain calculated?
• What does a negative volume strain signify?
• How does volume strain differ from linear strain?

Related terms

Stress: A force applied per unit area within materials that causes deformation.

Strain: The deformation or displacement of material that results from an applied stress.

Bulk Modulus: A measure of a material's resistance to uniform compression, defined as the ratio of volumetric stress to volumetric strain.