On the efficiency of the operator splitting method

Abstract

Operator splitting is a widely used procedure in the numerical solution of complex problems. The point in operator splitting is the replacement of the original model with one in which appropriately chosen groups of the sub-processes, described by the model, take place successively in time. This de-coupling procedure allows us to solve a few simpler problems instead of the whole one. In this paper we investigate the application of the operator splitting method to real-life problems from a practical point of view, with great emphasis on long-range air pollution transport. We discuss the main benefits and drawbacks of this approach.