Strain energy density

Strain energy density is a measure of how much energy is stored in a material when it is deformed or stretched. Imagine bending or stretching a rubber band—it stores energy as it changes shape. The strain energy density tells us how much energy is stored per unit volume of the material during this process. It depends on the amount of deformation and the material's properties. This concept helps engineers understand how materials behave under stress and ensures structures can withstand forces without failing, by estimating the energy they can absorb before breaking.