A domain decomposition solver for acoustic scattering by elastic objects in layered media

A finite element solution procedure is presented for accurately computing time-harmonic acoustic scattering by elastic targets buried in sediment. An improved finite element discretization based on trilinear basis functions leading to fourth-order phase accuracy is described. For sufficiently accurate discretizations 100 million to I billion unknowns are required. The resulting systems of linear equations are solved iteratively using the GMRES method with a domain decomposition preconditioner employing a fast direct solver. Due to the construction of the discretization and preconditioner, iterations can be reduced onto a sparse subspace associated with the interfaces. Numerical experiments demonstrate capability to evaluate the scattered field with hundreds of wavelengths. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.