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feynman1
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title
Why serendipity elements are called serendipity?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the term "serendipity" as it relates to serendipity elements in the context of finite element methods. Participants explore the etymology of the term and its application in technical literature.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants reference the etymology of "serendipity," linking it to the princes of Serendip known for their chance discoveries, as noted by Horace Walpole in 1754.
- Others cite sources such as "Introduction to the Finite Element Method" and "The Finite Element Method for Engineers," which explain that the term is used because the element shape functions were originally formulated by inspection.
- A participant questions the clarity of the original inquiry, asking whether it pertains to the etymology of the word or its usage compared to synonyms.
- One participant expresses a resolution to the inquiry, indicating satisfaction with the information provided.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants appear to have differing interpretations of the original question, with some focusing on etymology while others consider the term's application. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the exact nature of the inquiry.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes references to specific texts and historical context, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the clarity of the initial question and the implications of the term's usage.
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Baluncore
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FEAnalyst
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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".
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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Vanadium 50
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lazy.feynman1 said:
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?
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feynman1
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resolved thanks a lotFEAnalyst said:
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feynman1
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etymology :)Vanadium 50 said:lazy.
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?
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