Reduced-Order Model-Based Feedback Control of Flow Over an Obstacle Using Center Manifold Methods

Abstract

In this paper, we consider a boundary control problem governed by the two-dimensional Burgers’ equation for a configuration describing convective flow over an obstacle. Flows over obstacles are important as they arise in many practical applications. Burgers’ equations are also significant as they represent a simpler form of the more general Navier–Stokes momentum equation describing fluid flow. The aim of the work is to develop a reduced-order boundary control-oriented model for the system with subsequent nonlinear control law design. The control objective is to drive the full order system to a desired 2D profile. Reduced-order modeling involves the application of an L2 optimization based actuation mode expansion technique for input separation, demonstrating how one can obtain a reduced-order Galerkin model in which the control inputs appear as explicit terms. Controller design is based on averaging and center manifold techniques and is validated with full order numerical simulation. Closed-loop results are compared to a standard linear quadratic regulator design based on a linearization of the reduced-order model. The averaging∕center manifold based controller design provides smoother response with less control effort and smaller tracking error.