Finite Element Method
The finite element method consists of splitting complex geometries into small, simple pieces—finite elements—whose behavior is known. The process of splitting a complex geometry into finite elements is called meshing. When meshing, some elements are more suited for particular geometries than others. For a video that highlights these differences, see Basics of Element Selection.
Points along the edges and corners of finite elements are called nodes. In a stress simulation the displacements of the nodes are the fundamental variables that the solver calculates. Once the nodal displacements are known, the stresses and strains in each finite element can be determined.