What Does Compressive Strain Mean?
Compressive strain in an elastic material is defined as the deformation in a solid due to the application of compressive stress. In other words, compressive strain is produced when a body decreases in length when equal and opposite forces try to compress (or squeeze) it. This parameter is mathematically expressed as the ratio of the object's change in length to its original length.
The formula for compressive strain is:
e = ΔL / L
where:
e = compressive strain
ΔL = change in length
L = original length
Compressive strain may also be known as negative strain.