Application of the iterative solution method with Schur complement reduction to mixed finite elements based in a tetrahedral discretization

The iterative solution method for mixed finite element methods is applied to a 3-D domain partitioned with tetrahedral elements. For the particular discretization technique of first partitioning the domain with hexahedral cells, and then subsequently partitioning cells with five tetrahedral elements, a Schur complement decomposition is devised wherein the actual number of equations solved is reduced by 80%. Although this Schur complement reduction requires a fair amount of computational overhead, its application within the iterative solution method can reduce overall solution time by about 44%, depending on closure criterion and other factors.