Analysis of a Schwarz-Fourier domain decomposition method

Abstract: The Schwarz domain decomposition method can be used for approximately solving a Laplace equation on a domain formed by the union of two overlapping discs. We consider an inexact variant of this method in which the subproblems on the discs are solved approximately using the projection on a Fourier subspace of the $L<sup>2$ space on the boundary. This model problem is relevant for better understanding of the ddCOSMO solver that is used in computational chemistry. We analyze convergence properties of this Schwarz-Fourier domain decomposition method. The analysis is based on maximum principle arguments. We derive a new variant of the maximum principle and contraction number bounds in the maximum norm.