Definition:Bulk Modulus

This page is about Bulk Modulus. For other uses, see modulus.

Definition

Let $B$ be an elastic body.

The bulk modulus of $B$ is a physical property of $B$ which measures its resistance to change in volume without change of shape.

It is defined as the ratio of compressive stress per surface area of $B$ to its change of volume per unit volume associated with this stress, assuming uniform pressure over the surface of $B$.

Also see

• Definition:Elasticity

• Results about bulk modulus can be found here.

Linguistic Note

The plural of modulus is moduli.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): bulk modulus
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): bulk modulus