Minimum total potential energy principle

The minimum total potential energy principle is a fundamental concept used in physics and engineering. It dictates that at low temperatures a structure or body shall deform or displace to a position that (locally) minimizes the total potential energy, with the lost potential energy being converted into kinetic energy (specifically heat). The minimum total potential energy principle is a fundamental concept used in physics and engineering. It dictates that at low temperatures a structure or body shall deform or displace to a position that (locally) minimizes the total potential energy, with the lost potential energy being converted into kinetic energy (specifically heat). The total potential energy, Π {displaystyle {oldsymbol {Pi }}} , is the sum of the elastic strain energy, U, stored in the deformed body and the potential energy, V, associated to the applied forces: This energy is at a stationary position when an infinitesimal variation from such position involves no change in energy: The principle of minimum total potential energy may be derived as a special case of the virtual work principle for elastic systems subject to conservative forces.