Efficient algebraic multigrid for migration–diffusion–convection–reaction systems arising in electrochemical simulations

The article discusses components and performance of an algebraic multigrid (AMG) preconditioner for the fully coupled multi-ion transport and reaction model (MITReM) with nonlinear boundary conditions, important for electrochemical modeling. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are discretized in space by a combined finite element and residual distribution method. Solution of the discrete system is obtained by means of a Newton-based nonlinear solver, and an AMG-preconditioned BICGSTAB Krylov linear solver. The presented AMG preconditioner is based on so-called point-based classical AMG. The linear solver is compared to a standard direct and several one-level iterative solvers for a range of geometries and chemical systems with scientific and industrial relevance. The results indicate that point-based AMG methods, carefully designed, are an attractive alternative to more commonly employed numerical methods for the simulation of complex electrochemical processes.