Applying deep reinforcement learning to active flow control in turbulent conditions

Abstract: Machine learning has recently become a promising technique in fluid mechanics, especially for active flow control (AFC) applications. A recent work [J. Fluid Mech. (2019), vol. 865, pp. 281-302] has demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in performing AFC over a circular cylinder at $Re = 100$, i.e., in the laminar flow regime. As a follow-up study, we investigate the same AFC problem at an intermediate Reynolds number, i.e., $Re = 1000$, where the turbulence in the flow poses great challenges to the control. The results show that the DRL agent can still find effective control strategies, but requires much more episodes in the learning. A remarkable drag reduction of around $30\%$ is achieved, which is accompanied by elongation of the recirculation bubble and reduction of turbulent fluctuations in the cylinder wake. To our best knowledge, this study is the first successful application of DRL to AFC in weak turbulent conditions. It therefore sets a new milestone in progressing towards AFC in strong turbulent flows.