Potential for Strain energy

Hi all,

When a conservative force does work, it is independent of the path, we define the potential and work done is given by  - (change in potential).

We define potentials for gravitational force, electrical force etc...

Assuming the body is linear elastic, internal forces, cause stresses in a body, are also conservative forces, whose work (strain energy) is independent of the path. Can we define potential for such internal forces? If so, we can calculate strain energy = -(change in potential).

You may kindly explain this.

Thanks in advance,

With regards,

- Ramdas