Control of Subsonic Cavity Flows by Neural Networks – Analytical Models and Experimental Validation

Flow control is attracting an increasing attention of researchers from a wide spectrum of specialties because of its interdisciplinary nature and the associated challenges. One of the main goals of The Collaborative Center of Control Science at The Ohio State University is to bring together researchers from different disciplines to advance the science and technology of flow control. This paper approaches the control of subsonic cavity flow, a study case we have selected, from a computational intelligence point of view, and offers a solution that displays an interconnected neural architecture. The structures of identification and control, together with the experimental implementation are discussed. The model and the controller have very simple structural configurations indicating that a significant saving on computation is possible. Experimental testing of a neural emulator and of a directlysynthesized neurocontroller indicates that the emulator can accurately reproduce a reference signal measured in the cavity floor under different operating conditions. Based on preliminary results, the neurocontroller appears to be marginally effective and produces spectral peak reductions analogous to those previously observed by the authors using linearcontrol techniques. The current research will continue to improve the capability of the neural emulator and of the neurocontroller.