strain energy

In physics, strain energy is the energy stored by a system undergoing deformation. When the load is removed, strain energy as:

where s is stress, e is strain, V is volume, and E is Young's modulus:


In a molecule, strain energy is released when the constituent atoms are allowed to rearrange themselves in a chemical reaction interference are reduced. The external work done on an elastic member in causing it to distort from its unstressed state is transformed into strain energy which is a form of potential energy. The strain energy in the form of elastic deformation is mostly recoverable in the form of mechanical work.