Rubber blocks in shear force are often used to damp vibrations. Shock energy of vibration is absorbed by the rubber block. The deformation leads to a decrease in cross-section as the block lengthens, an effect described by Poisson’s Ratio.

This Apparatus can be used to find the relationship between shear loading and shear deformation to be determined using simple experiments. A rubber block between two flat pieces of aluminium is used as the shear body. A dial gauge fitted to bracket records the deformation that occurs. The unit can be mounted to the wall using bolts.