A scalable, matrix-free multigrid preconditioner for finite element discretizations of heterogeneous Stokes flow


METADATA ONLY
Loading...

Date

2015-06-15

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric
METADATA ONLY

Data

Rights / License

Abstract

In this paper we describe a computational methodology that is specifically designed for studying three-dimensional geodynamic processes governed by heterogeneous visco-plastic Stokes flow. The method employs a hybrid spatial discretization consisting of a Q2-P1disc mixed finite element formulation for the Stokes problem, coupled to a material-point formulation which is used for representing material state and history-dependent variables. The applicability and practicality of this methodology is realized through the development of an efficient, scalable and robust variable viscosity Stokes preconditioner. In this work, these objectives are achieved through exploiting matrix-free operators and a geometric multigrid preconditioner employing hybrid coarse level operators, Chebyshev smoothers and hybrid Krylov coarse level solvers. The robustness and parallel efficiency of this strategy is demonstrated using an idealized geodynamic model. Lastly, we apply the new methodology to study geodynamic models of continental rifting and break-up in order to understand the diverse range of passive continental margins we observe on Earth today.

Permanent link

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

290

Pages / Article No.

496 - 523

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Stokes flow; Preconditioners; Multigrid; Parallel scalability; Geodynamics

Organisational unit

03698 - Tackley, Paul / Tackley, Paul check_circle

Notes

Funding

Related publications and datasets