Reduced-order transition control via the optimal projection method

The systems theory approach to the feedback stabilization of finite-amplitude disturbances in plane Poiseuille flow results in high-order system models to accurately represent the disturbance dynamics. From a practical standpoint, a controller developed for a specific flow control task will often have to be implemented in realtime. The need for the synthesis of rigorous control theory and experimental methods has been noted by several researchers over the years. A key step to this synthesis is the development of low dimensional descriptions of flow dynamics for control synthesis. This paper examines the use of the optimal projection method for reduced-order controller synthesis for flow disturbance model systems with relatively high order (greater than 40).