Clapeyron's theorem (elasticity)
In the linear theory of elasticity Clapeyron's theorem states that the potential energy of deformation of a body, which is in equilibrium under a given load, is equal to half the work done by the external forces computed assuming these forces had remained constant from the initial state to the final state.[1]
It is named after the French scientist Benoît Clapeyron.
For example, consider a linear spring with initial length L0 and gradually pull on the spring until it reaches equilibrium at a length L1 when the pulling force is F. By the theorem, the potential energy of deformation in the spring is given by:
- [math]\displaystyle{ \frac{1}{2}F (L_1 - L_0). }[/math]
The actual force increased from 0 to F during the deformation; the work done can be computed by integration in distance. Clapeyron's equation, which uses the final force only, may be puzzling at first, but is nevertheless true because it includes a corrective factor of one half.
Another theorem, the theorem of three moments used in bridge engineering is also sometimes called Clapeyron's theorem.
References
- ↑ Love, A.E.H., "A Treatise on the Mathematical Theory of Elasticity", 4th ed. Cambridge, 1927, p. 173
- Roger Fosdick & Lev Truskinovsky (2003) About Clapeyron's Theorem in Linear Elasticity, Journal of Elasticity 72(1–3): 145–72, Springer.
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