Variational-discrete models of a continuous medium

The advantages of variational principles in description and investigation of the problems of theoretical and mathematical physics are considered. It is shown that the variational approach permits the construction of totally conservative schemes in cylindrical, spherical and any randon coordinate systems. The variational approach is successfully applied for constructing a totally conservative scheme of the ideal MHD, The variational approach remains in force in the case of three-dimensional calculations as well. Variational principles are effectively used in constructing difference schemes for the equation of heat conduction type and on the solution of multidimensional applied problems