Massively parallel Schwarz methods for the high-frequency Helmholtz equation with O(k) convergence

Abstract

We develop a one-level restricted additive Schwarz solver with perfectly matched layer transmission conditions (RAS--PML) for high-frequency Helmholtz systems. For problems with $O(k^d)$ unknowns, $d=2,3$, the solver uses Cartesian decompositions and $O(k^d)$ concurrent local solves for a single right-hand side, where $k$ is the wavenumber. Starting from the convergence theory for fixed decompositions established in~\texttt{arXiv:2404.02156}, we address the growing cost {as $k$ increases} of local solves through a nested RAS--PML construction. Under suitable stability and contraction assumptions, we prove that sufficiently accurate recursive local solves preserve convergence of the outer iteration. We also prove that a single inner iteration at each non-terminal level yields a correction algebraically equivalent to one-level RAS--PML, provided that the hierarchy-induced finest local problems and composite restriction and weighted extension operators are retained. This equivalence provides a hierarchical interpretation and permits a direct implementation without recursive transfers. We assess the one-level solver using PML and overlap widths of order $O(k^{-1}\log k)$. Constant-coefficient experiments cover $300\le k\le 19200$ in two dimensions and $60\le k\le 780$ in three dimensions, reaching $1.47\times 10^9$ and $4.75\times 10^8$ complex unknowns, respectively. Richardson iteration counts grow approximately linearly with $k$ over these ranges, while total parallel runtime, including setup and solution, exhibits near-linear growth at the larger tested wavenumbers. Further experiments assess the effects of mesh refinement and heterogeneous media.

arXiv comment26 pages