How to Calculate and Solve for Lateral Strain | Rock Mechanics

To calculate lateral strain, two essential parameters are needed: change in diameter (Δd) and diameter (d).

The formula for calculating the lateral strain:

ε_l = ^Δd / _d

Where:

ε_l = Lateral Strain
Δd = Change in Diameter
d = Diameter

Let’s solve an example;
Find the lateral strain when the change in diameter is 32 and the diameter is 14.

This implies that;

Δd = Change in Diameter = 32
d = Diameter = 14

So, ε_l = ^Δd / _d
ε_l = ³² / ₁₄
ε_l = 2.285

Therefore, the lateral strain is 2.285.

Calculating the Change in Diameter when the Lateral Strain and the Diameter are Given

Δd = ε_l  x d

Where;

Δd = Change in Diameter
ε_l = Lateral Strain
d = Diameter

Let’s solve an example;
Find the change in diameter when the lateral strain is 40 and the diameter is 8.

This implies that;

ε_l = Lateral Strain = 40
d = Diameter = 8

So, Δd = ε_l  x d
Δd = 40 x 8
Δd = 320

Therefore, the change in diameter is 320.

Read more: How to Calculate and Solve for Horizontal Strain | Rock Mechanics

Calculating the Diameter when the Lateral Strain and the Change in Diameter are Given

d = ^Δd / _εl

Where;

d = Diameter
ε_l = Lateral Strain
Δd = Change in Diameter

Let’s solve an example;
Find the diameter when the lateral strain is 30 and the change in  diameter is 6.

This implies that;

ε_l = Lateral Strain = 30
Δd = Change in Diameter = 6

That is, d = ^Δd / _εl
d = ³⁰ / ₆
d = 5

Therefore, the diameter is 5.

How to Calculate Lateral Strain Using the Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the lateral strain.

To get the answer and workings of the lateral strain using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 1,500 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Geology under Add-on.

Now, Click on Rock Mechanics under Geology

Now, Click on Lateral Strain under Rock Mechanics

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the lateral strain according to the respective parameters which are the change in diameter (Δd) and diameter (d).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the change in diameter (Δd) is 32 and diameter (d) is 14.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the lateral strain and presents the formula, workings, and steps, too.