Transverse strain, abbreviated as \( \epsilon_t \) (Greek symbol epsilon), also called lateral strain, is a measure of the deformation of a material in a direction perpendicular to the direction of an applied force. When a material is subjected to a longitudinal stress (a force applied along its length), it will elongate or contract in the direction of the stress. Simultaneously, it will experience a change in its transverse dimensions (width or diameter). The relationship between transverse strain and longitudinal strain is described by Poisson's ratio.
Transverse Strain Formula |
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| \( \epsilon_t \;=\; \dfrac{ \Delta D }{ D }\) | ||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( \epsilon_t \) (Greek symbol epsilon) = Transverse Strain | \( dimensionless \) | \( dimensionless \) |
| \( \Delta D \) = Transverse Dimension | \(in\) | \(mm\) |
| \( D \) = Initial Transverse Dimension | \(in\) | \(mm\) |
If a tensile longitudinal stress causes a contraction in the transverse direction, the transverse strain is considered negative. Conversely, a compressive longitudinal stress causing a transverse expansion results in a positive transverse strain.
