A new multigrid linear solver has been developed and deployed for ARIA, a finite element analysis code for the solution of coupled multiphysics problems. The new linear solver specifically addresses challenges associated with PDE simulations where the number of degrees-of-freedom at each mesh node varies. This scenario frequently arises within ARIA when representing fields with discontinuities at interfaces. The new iterative solver is able to main these interfaces throughout the internal multigrid hierarchy, which is critical to realizing the solver’s rapid convergence rates. On some problems, the new solver runs 10x faster than anything previously available to the ARIA team. One problem required 20 minutes to solve with the new solver, whereas the old solver did not converge in 10 hours. The ARIA team is currently utilizing and accessing the new solver for a broad range of applications such as Navy railgun applications, and NW applications including laser welding, thermal battery modeling, and environmental sensing devices.
