Step 1: Understanding strain energy in bending.
- In uniaxial tension or compression, strain energy density is given by:
\[
U = \frac{\sigma^2}{2E}
\]
- In bending, strain energy is stored in the bending moment.
Step 2: Applying the energy relation.
- Strain energy stored in bending is one-fourth of that stored in uniaxial tension.
Step 3: Selecting the correct option.
Since the strain energy stored in bending is \( \frac{1}{4} \) of that in uniaxial tension, the correct answer is (B).