Mechanism free domain decomposition Original Research Article

The simulation of three-dimensional (3D) structural dynamics on massively parallel platforms places stringent requirements on the existing software infrastructure. A constrained and nonlinear graph partitioning problem that arises in scalable iterative substructuring methods, such as finite element tearing and interconnecting (FETI) methods, is identified. New sufficient criteria on a partition are presented that ensure the applicability of FETI methods, and improve the associated preconditioner. One-dimensional finite elements in 3D structures are treated by an encapsulation method. The techniques are demonstrated on complex finite element model problems.