A Simple Dilatometric Method for Determining Poisson's Ratio of Nearly Incompressible Elastomers

A simple apparatus which was developed for measuring the dilatation of specimens tested in uniaxial tension is described. The dilatometer can be used on an Instron testing machine. In spite of its simplicity, this dilatometer enables an accurate determination of Poisson's ratio of nearly incompressible elastomers. We present typical curves showing the effect of strain on Poisson's ratio of filled and unfilled elastomers. We also describe the dilatometric processes observed during straining of granular filled elastomers.