From snapshots to modal expansions – bridging low residuals and pure frequencies

Abstract

Data-driven low-order modelling has been enjoying rapid advances in fluid mechanics. Arguably, Sirovich (Q. Appl. Maths, vol. XLV, 1987, pp. 561–571) started these developments with snapshot proper orthogonal decomposition, a particularly simple method. The resulting reduced-order models provide valuable insights into flow physics, allow inexpensive explorations of dynamics and operating conditions, and enable model-based control design. A winning argument for proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is the optimality property, i.e. the guarantee of the least residual for a given number of modes. The price is unpleasant frequency mixing in the modes which complicates their physical interpretation. In contrast, temporal Fourier modes and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) provide pure frequency dynamics but lose the orthonormality and optimality property of POD. Sieber et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 792, 2016, pp. 798–828) bridge the least residual and pure frequency behaviour with an ingenious interpolation, called spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD). This article puts the achievement of the TU Berlin authors in perspective, illustrating the potential of SPOD and the challenges ahead.