Poisson's ratio for rigid plastic foams

Poisson's ratio for several low‐density plastic foams has been determined in both tension and compression. For polystyrene bead foams and a polyurethane foam, Poisson's ratio is greater in tension than compression. In compression, Poisson's ratio is not linear, showing a larger value below the yield strain and a value near zero for high strains. For 0.05 and 0.10 g/cc polystyrene bead foam, Poisson's ratios are 1/3 in tension and 1/4 in compression below the yield strain; at higher strains, the value in compression is in the range 0.03–0.07.