STRAIN

When a body is subjected to an axial load, there is increase in length in one direction at the same time the dimensions decrease in perpendicular directions.

Hence, the ratio of change in dimension to original dimension is known as “STRAIN”

Forces on a body showing strain.

Types of Strains

                 There are two types of strains:

                          1) LONGITUDINAL STRAIN

                          2) LATERAL STRAIN

LONGITUDINAL STRAIN

  ” When a body is subjected to an axial tensile or compressive load, there is an axial deformation in the length of the body. The ratio of axial deformation to the original length of the body is known as Longitudinal (or linear strain).”

                                                                 OR

   ” The longitudinal strain is also defined as the deformation of the body per unit length in the direction of applied load. “

The longitudinal strain is given by:

Formula for longitudinal strain

LATERAL STRAIN

      “The strain at right angles to the direction of applied load is known as LATERAL STRAIN.”

                                                                   OR

       “Change in breadth dimensions to original dimension is also known as LATERAL STRAIN” 

 lateral strain is given as Change in lateral dimensions/ Original dimensions