Convergent nonnegative matrices and iterative methods for consistent linear systems

Summary In this paper we study linear stationary iterative methods with nonnegative iteration matrices for solving singular and consistent systems of linear equationsAx=b. The iteration matrices for the schemes are obtained via regular and weak regular splittings of the coefficients matrixA. In certain cases when only some necessary, but not sufficient, conditions for the convergence of the iterations schemes exist, we consider a transformation on the iteration matrices and obtain new iterative schemes which ensure convergence to a solution toAx=b. This transformation is parameter-dependent, and in the case where all the eigenvalues of the iteration matrix are real, we show how to choose this parameter so that the asymptotic convergence rate of the new schemes is optimal. Finally, some applications to the problem of computing the stationary distribution vector for a finite homogeneous ergodic Markov chain are discussed.Research sponsored in part by US Army Research Office