Study of linear response identification techniques and reduced-order model generation for a 2D CFD scheme

Reduced-Order Models (ROMs) have been the focus of research in various engineering situations, but it is only relatively recently that such techniques have begun to be introduced into the CFD field. The purpose of generating such models is to capture the dominant dynamics of the full set of CFD equations, but at much lower cost. One method that has been successfully implemented in the field of fluid flows is based on the calculation of the linear pulse responses of the CFD scheme coupled with an Eigensystem Realization algorithm (ERA), resulting in a compact aerodynamic model. The key to the models is the identification of the linear responses of the non-linear CFD code. Two different methods have been developed and reported in literature for linear response identification; the first method linearizes the CFD code and the second method uses Volterra theory and the non-linear code. As these methods were developed independently they have not previously been brought together and compared. This paper first explains the subtle, but fundamental differences between the two methods. In addition, a series of test cases are shown to demonstrate the performance and drawbacks of the ROMs derived from the different linear responses. The conclusions of this study provide useful guidance for the implementation of either of the two approaches to obtain the linear responses of an existing CFD code. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.