On Improving the Predictable Accuracy of Reduced-order Models for Fluid Flows

Abstract

The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is a classic method to construct empirical, linear modal bases which are optimal in a mean L2 sense. A subset of these modes can form the basis of a dynamical reduced-order model (ROM) of a physical system, including nonlinear, chaotic systems like fluid flows. While these POD-based ROMs can accurately simulate complex fluid dynamics, a priori model accuracy and stability estimates are unreliable. The work presented in this dissertation focuses on improving the predictability and accuracy of POD-based fluid ROMs. This is accomplished by ensuring several kinematically significant flow characteristics -- both at large scales and small -- are satisfied within the truncated bases. Several new methods of constructing and employing modal bases within this context are developed and tested. Reduced-order models of periodic flows are shown to be predictably accurate with high confidence; the predictable accuracy of quasi-periodic and chaotic fluid flow ROMs is increased significantly relative to existing approaches.