U-D-T-V = unknown displacement/temperature/velocity A Finite Element mesh defines a finite dimensional vector space of functions. A Finite Element solution is the projection of a U-D-T-V to this finite dimensional vector space. It is calculated from forces and boundary conditions using Galerkin methods. Projection means that there is no vector closer to the U-D-T-V. Introduction to theory and practice of FE    How to obtain good results with bad elements    Russian Mathematics    HOME contact michael.lautsch[at]lautsch-fe.com