Basson, MadeleinVan Rensburg, N.F.J.2014-11-032014-11-032013Basson, M & Van Rensburg, NFJ 2013, 'Galerkin finite element approximation of general linear second order hyperbolic equations', Numerical Functional Analysis and Optimization, vol. 34, no. 9, pp. 976-1000.0163-0563 (print)1532-2467 (online)10.1080/01630563.2013.807286http://hdl.handle.net/2263/42454In this article, we derive error estimates for the Galerkin approximation of a general linear second order hyperbolic equation. The results can be applied to a variety of cases, for example, vibrating systems of linked elastic bodies. The results generalize the work of Baker [1] and also allow for viscous type damping. Splitting the proofs for the semi-discrete and fully discrete cases not only simplifies the proofs but less restrictive regularity assumptions are required.en© Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an electronic version of an article published in Numerical Functional Analysis and Optimization, vol. 34, no. 9, pp. 976-1000, 2013. doi : 10.1080/01630563.2013.807286. Numerical Functional Analysis and Optimization is available online at : http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/lnfa20.Damped vibrationError estimatesFinite elementsGalerkin approximationSecond order hyperbolic equationPostprint Article