Isotropic Bulk Modulus
Find resistance to volumetric deformation in an isotropic elastic solid.
Try this formula
Calculate bulk modulus or choose another supported quantity.
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Try this formula
Calculate bulk modulus or choose another supported quantity.
Use decimals or scientific notation, such as 1.2e3. Calculations update as you type.
Bulk modulus
Enter the known values to see the result.
Use small strains and a homogeneous, linearly elastic material. Loads are static or slowly applied; remain below the proportional limit. The material is isotropic, with E > 0 and −1 < ν < 0.5. The limit ν → 0.5 is incompressible and cannot be evaluated by dividing by zero.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Read time
5 min
Prerequisites
Basic algebra, mechanics, and consistent SI units
Source
raymond212 — MECH 260 — Mechanics of MaterialsReference equation: General Loading — Bulk Modulus. FormuLab wrote new explanations, assumptions, applications, and numerical examples.
Definition
Bulk modulus measures how strongly a solid resists a change in volume. Near the incompressible limit, the denominator becomes small and the bulk modulus becomes large.
Variables & Units
| Symbol | Meaning | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk modulus | ||
| Young’s modulus | ||
| Poisson ratio |
Real-World Applications
Hydrostatic loading
Estimate volumetric elastic stiffness.
Material models
Convert isotropic constants for an elastic analysis.
Worked Example
Problem
For E = 200 GPa and ν = 0.3, find the bulk modulus.
Given
Solution
Final Answer
Contents
Info
Tools
Source & review
Reference equation: General Loading — Bulk Modulus. FormuLab wrote new explanations, assumptions, applications, and numerical examples.
Assumptions
- • Use small strains and a homogeneous, linearly elastic material.
- • Loads are static or slowly applied; remain below the proportional limit.
- • The material is isotropic, with E > 0 and −1 < ν < 0.5.
- • The limit ν → 0.5 is incompressible and cannot be evaluated by dividing by zero.
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