An Optimization-Based Approach to the Domain Decomposition Problem in Parallel Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

This paper describes an optimization and artificial intelligence based approach for solving the mesh partitioning problem in parallel finite element analysis. The problem of domain decomposition with reference to mesh partitioning approach is discussed. The formulation of the optimization problem is presented. The theory for the mesh partitioning approach using an optimization and a predictive module is given. It is shown that the genetic algorithm linked to a predictive module may be used successfully, to limit the computational load and the number of design variables for the decomposition problem. Finally a comparison between some current mesh partitioning algorithms and the proposed method is made with the aid of an example; thus illustrating the feasibillty of the method.