An algebraic hierarchical basis preconditioner (Q1184720)

Consider the solution of linear systems of equations \(Ax=b\) where the coefficient matrix \(A\) satisfies \(A^ T=A\), \(a_{ij}\leq 0\) if \(i\neq j\) and \(\sum_ ja_{ij}=0\) for all \(i\). Such systems arise naturally in electrical resistance networks but also from discretizing partial differential equations. The electrical resistance network interpretation suggests a new algebraic hierarchical basis preconditioner. Numerical experiments with conjugate gradient acceleration demonstrate rapid convergence, though less than the optimal rate of an algebraic multigrid solver.