The formula for Poisson's ratio ($\nu$) in terms of the Bulk Modulus ($K$) and the Shear Modulus ($G$) is: $\nu = \frac{3K - 2G}{6K + 2G}$. This relationship is a core result in Linear Elasticity for isotropic materials and is derived by eliminating Young's Modulus ($E$) from the two fundamental equations that link the pairs of elastic moduli:
The steps to combine and solve these equations to isolate $\nu$ .
The derivation begins with the two established relationships:
Bulk Modulus ($K$) relation (from hydrostatic stress):
$$ K = \frac{E}{3(1 - 2\nu)} $$
Shear Modulus ($G$) relation (from pure shear stress):
$$ G = \frac{E}{2(1 + \nu)} $$
From the Shear Modulus relationship, isolate $E$:
$$ G = \frac{E}{2(1 + \nu)} $$
$$ \implies \mathbf{E = 2G(1 + \nu)} $$
(Equation 3)
From the Bulk Modulus relationship (Equation 1), isolate $E$:
$$ K = \frac{E}{3(1 - 2\nu)} $$
$$ \implies \mathbf{E = 3K(1 - 2\nu)} $$
(Equation 4)