Define 'discretization' in the context of engineering analysis.

Discretization is fundamentally the process of converting continuous models and equations into discrete counterparts, which allows for numerical analysis and computation. This is particularly important in engineering analysis where many phenomena (like fluid flow, heat transfer, etc.) are described by continuous equations, typically differential equations.

When a continuous model is discretized, it is typically divided into a finite number of segments or intervals, which transforms the problem into one that can be solved using numerical methods. Each segment represents a small part of the overall continuous system, allowing for approximation of solutions at discrete points.

This approach is essential because many continuous equations cannot be solved analytically, or the solutions may be very complex. By discretizing these equations, engineers can use numerical techniques such as the Finite Element Method (FEM) or Finite Difference Method (FDM) to obtain approximate solutions. These methods allow for the modeling of complex systems that can easily be analyzed using computational resources.