Coarse Spaces by Algebraic Multigrid: Multigrid convergence and Upscaling Error Estimates

We give an overview of a number of algebraic multigrid methods targeting finite element discretization problems. The focus is on the properties of the constructed hierarchy of coarse spaces that guarantee (two-grid) convergence. In particular, a necessary condition known as “weak approximation property,” and a sufficient one, referred to as “strong approximation property,” are discussed. Their role in proving convergence of the TG method (as iterative method) and also on the approximation properties of the algebraic mottigrid (AMG) coarse spaces if used as discretization tool is pointed out. Some preliminary numerical results illustrating the latter aspect are also reported.