Algebraic Multilevel Iteration Method for Stieltjes Matrices

The numerical solution of elliptic selfadjoint second-order boundary value problems leads to a class of linear systems of equations with symmetric, positive definite, large and sparse matrices which can be solved iteratively using a preconditioned version of some algorithm. Such differential equations originate from various applications such as heat conducting and electromagnetics. Systems of equations of similar type can also arise in the finite element analysis of structures. We discuss a recursive method constructing preconditioners to a symmetric, positive definite matrix. An algebraic multilevel technique based on partitioning of the matrix in two by two matrix block form, approximating some of these by other matrices with more simple sparsity structure and using the corresponding Schur complement as a matrix on the lower level, is considered. The quality of the preconditioners is improved by special matrix polynomials which recursively connect the preconditioners on every two adjoining levels. Upper and lower bounds for the degree of the polynomials are derived as conditions for a computational complexity of optimal order for each level and for an optimal rate of convergence, respectively. The method is an extended and more accurate algebraic formulation of a method for nine-point and mixed five- and nine-point difference matrices, presented in some previous papers.