An optimization‐based domain decomposition method for the Boussinesq equations

We study an optimization based domain decomposition method for the Boussinesq equations governing natural convection problems. Domain decomposition is cast into a constrained minimization problem for which the objective functional measures the jump in the dependent variables across the interface between solid and fluid subdomains. We showthat solutions of the minimization problem exist and derive an optimality system from which these solutions may be determined. Finite element approximations of the solutions of the optimality system are examined. The domain decomposition method is also reformulated as a nonlinear least‐squares problem and the results of some numerical experiments are given.