Reduced-order, trajectory piecewise-linear models for nonlinear computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

A trajectory piecewise-linear (TPWL) approach is developed for a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the two-dimensional Euler equations. The approach uses a weighted combination of linearized models to represent the nonlinear CFD system. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is then used to create a reduced-space basis, onto which the TPWL model is projected. This projection yields an efficient reduced-order model of the nonlinear system, which does not require the evaluation of any full-order system residuals. The method is applied to the case of flow through an actively controlled supersonic diffuser. With an appropriate choice of linearization points and POD basis vectors, the method is found to yield accurate results, including cases with significant shock motion.