An enhanced parallel sub-domain generation method for mesh partitioning inparallel finite element analysis

This paper describes an optimization and artificial intelligence-based appr oach for solving the mesh partitioning problem for explicit parallel dynami c finite element analysis. The Sub-Domain Generation Method (SGM) (Topping, Khan, Parallel Finite Element Computations. Saxe-Coburg Publications: Edin burgh, U.K., 1996) is briefly introduced with its virtues and drawbacks. Th is paper describes the enhancement of the SGM algorithm (ESGM) by the intro duction of a new, non-convex bisection procedure and a new Genetic Algorith m (GA) module, which is better tuned for this particular optimization probl em. Example decompositions are given and comparisons made between parallel versions of the ESGM, the SGM and other decomposition methods. The scalabil ity of the ESGM is examined by using a range of examples. Copyright (C) 200 0 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.