Question

Define strain energy.

• A. It refers to external work done on a bar.
• B. It refers to a change in the length of a bar.
• C. It is the potential energy stored by an elastic body when deformed.
• D. It is the energy released by a bar during the loading process.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. It is the potential energy stored by an elastic body when deformed.

Strain energy is the potential energy stored by an elastic body when deformed. It is calculated by, $U = \frac{P^2L}{ 2EA}$