Minimum total potential energy principle
Principle in physics regarding total potential energy of a system / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with principle of minimum energy.
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).