Linear feedback control of transition in shear flows

Abstract

This work focuses on the application of linear feedback control to transition to turbulence in shear flows. The controller uses wall-mounted sensor information to estimate the flow disturbances and uses wall actuators to prevent transition to turbulence. The flow disturbances are induced by external sources of perturbations described by means of a stochastic volume forcing. We show that improved performance can be achieved if the proper destabilisation mechanisms are targeted. © 2006 Springer.