Why serendipity elements are called serendipity?

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The discussion centers on the etymology of the term "serendipity," which originates from the historical name for Sri Lanka, formerly known as Serendip. The term is linked to a fairy tale about three princes from Serendip who made unexpected discoveries during their travels. This concept of chance discoveries is reflected in the naming of the "serendipity element" in finite element analysis, as described in various engineering texts. The term highlights the element's formulation, which was initially based on observation rather than a systematic approach. The conversation also touches on the clarity of the inquiry regarding the word's origin versus its usage.
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From "Introduction to the Finite Element Method" by N. Ottosen and H. Petersson:

Even though we have presented a systematic approach for the establishment of the element shape functions, these functions were originally formulated by inspection (Ergatoudis et al., 1968). The eight-node element is therefore called a serendipity element after the famous princes of Serendip noted for their chance discoveries (Horace Walpole, 1754).

From "The Finite Element Method for Engineers" by K.H. Huebner:

The terminology, coined in reference 13 [Ergatoudis et al.], stems from a fairy tale of old Ceylon (once called Serendip), where there were once three princes "who in their travels were always discovering, by chance or by sagacity, (agreeable) things they did not seek".
 
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feynman1 said:
title
lazy.:wink:
It's also not 100% clear what you asking - is it the etymology of the word, or is it why this word is used over a synonym?
 
FEAnalyst said:
From "Introduction to the Finite Element Method" by N. Ottosen and H. Petersson:

Even though we have presented a systematic approach for the establishment of the element shape functions, these functions were originally formulated by inspection (Ergatoudis et al., 1968). The eight-node element is therefore called a serendipity element after the famous princes of Serendip noted for their chance discoveries (Horace Walpole, 1754).

From "The Finite Element Method for Engineers" by K.H. Huebner:

The terminology, coined in reference 13 [Ergatoudis et al.], stems from a fairy tale of old Ceylon (once called Serendip), where there were once three princes "who in their travels were always discovering, by chance or by sagacity, (agreeable) things they did not seek".
resolved thanks a lot
 
Vanadium 50 said:
lazy.:wink:
It's also not 100% clear what you asking - is it the etymology of the word, or is it why this word is used over a synonym?
etymology :)
 

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