What is the potential energy of elastic deformations

The potential energy of elastic deformations is a physical quantity that is equal to half the product of the square of the deformation of the body and its rigidity. Let's consider some theoretical questions connected with the given size.

Features

The potential energy of elastic deformations depends on the location of the parts of the body being analyzed. For example, the relationship between the number of coils of springs and the energy of an elastic body is revealed.

The potential energy of elastic deformations is determined by the initial and final position of the spring, that is, by its deformation. First, the work done by the stretched spring is calculated at the moment of returning to the original form. After that, the potential energy of spring elastic deformation is calculated.

Calculations

It is equal to the work done by the force of elasticity when the elastic body is transformed into a state at which the value of the strain is zero.

When stretched with the same force of different springs, they will communicate a different amount of potential energy. The inverse relationship between the spring stiffness and the magnitude of the potential energy is found. The more rigid the spring is, the smaller the value will be taken by Ep.

Thus, the potential energy for elastic deformation of bodies is related to the coefficient of elasticity. The work of the elastic force is a quantity that is accomplished by the force during the change in the value of the deformation of the spring from the original (initial) value X1 to the end position X2.

The difference between these values is called the spring deformation. The potential energy of elastic deformations is determined precisely with allowance for this index.

The coefficient of spring stiffness depends on the quality of the material from which the working medium is made. In addition, it affects the geometric dimensions and shape of the analyzed object. This physical quantity is designated by the letter k, units of measurement are used N / m.

The dependence of the elastic force on the distance between the interacting parts of the elastic body under consideration is revealed.

The work of the elastic force is not related to the shape of the trajectory. In case of moving along a closed cycle, its total value is zero. That is why the elastic forces are considered potential, and they are calculated taking into account the coefficient of spring stiffness, the value of the spring deformation.

Conclusion

Regardless of the appearance, any modern design is deformed to a certain extent, that is, it changes its original dimensions, under the influence of external loads applied to the body. In order to check the stability and rigidity of such a design, it is important to determine those movements that are caused by the deformation of its individual elements. An important point is the determination of the displacements of the system under consideration. Such calculations are carried out when calculating the strength of buildings and structures. Carrying out various calculations concerning the definition of the work of potential forces is a mandatory step in the creation of drawings of future designs in all spheres of industry.