Enter the total strain energy (J) and the total energy due to volume change (J) into the Distortion Energy Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Distortion Energy. 

Distortion Energy Formula

The following two example problems outline the steps and information needed to calculate the Distortion Energy.

DE = SE - VE

Variables:

  • DE is the Distortion Energy (J)
  • SE is the total strain energy (J) 
  • VE is the total energy due to volume change (J) 

To calculate the distortion energy, subtract the total energy due to volume change from the total strain energy.

How to Calculate Distortion Energy?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Distortion Energy.


  1. First, determine the total strain energy (J). 
  2. Next, determine the total energy due to volume change (J). 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = DE = SE – VE.
  4. Finally, calculate the Distortion Energy.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

total strain energy (J) = 500

total energy due to volume change (J) = 70

DE = SE – VE = ?