Galerkin Finite Element Approximation of General Linear Second Order Hyperbolic Equations

In 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.