A domain decomposition approach to implementing fault slip in finite-element models of quasi-static and dynamic crustal deformation

We employ a domain decomposition approach with Lagrange multipliers to implement fault slip in a finite-element code, PyLith, for use in both quasi-static and dynamic crustal deformation applications. This integrated approach to solving both quasi-static and dynamic simulations leverages common finite-element data structures and implementations of various boundary conditions, discretization schemes, and bulk and fault rheologies. We have developed a custom preconditioner for the Lagrange multiplier portion of the system of equations that provides excellent scalability with problem size compared to conventional additive Schwarz methods. We demonstrate application of this approach using benchmarks for both quasi-static viscoelastic deformation and dynamic spontaneous rupture propagation that verify the numerical implementation in PyLith. Key Points We employ domain decomposition to implement fault slip in a finite-element code We develop a preconditioner to accelerate convergence in quasi-static problems Benchmarks for quasi-static and dynamic problems verify the implementation