Gow–Joule effect) is originally the tendency of elastomers to contract when heated if they are under tension.
The term is also used more generally to refer to the dependence of the temperature of any solid on the mechanical deformation.
[2] The effect is due to the decrease of entropy when long chain molecules are stretched.
If an elastic band is first stretched and then subjected to heating, it will shrink rather than expand.
[3][4] Examples in Literature: The effect is important in O-ring seal design, where the seals can be mounted in a peripherally compressed state in hot applications to prolong life.