Model Reduction of Turbulent Fluid Flows Using the Supply Rate

Abstract

A method for finding reduced-order approximations of turbulent flow models is presented. The method preserves bounds on the production of turbulent energy in the sense of the $\curly{L}_2$ norm of perturbations from a notional laminar profile. This is achieved by decomposing the Navier-Stokes system into a feedback arrangement between the linearised system and the remaining, normally neglected, nonlinear part. The linear system is reduced using a method similar to balanced truncation, but preserving bounds on the supply rate. The method involves balancing two algebraic Riccati equations. The bounds are then used to derive bounds on the turbulent energy production. An example of the application of the procedure to flow through a long straight pipe is presented. Comparison shows that the new method approximates the supply rate at least as well as, or better than, canonical balanced truncation.