A deep learning enabler for non-intrusive reduced order modeling of fluid flows

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce a modular deep neural network (DNN) framework for data-driven reduced order modeling of dynamical systems relevant to fluid flows. We propose various deep neural network architectures which numerically predict evolution of dynamical systems by learning from either using discrete state or slope information of the system. Our approach has been demonstrated using both residual formula and backward difference scheme formulas. However, it can be easily generalized into many different numerical schemes as well. We give a demonstration of our framework for three examples: (i) Kraichnan-Orszag system, an illustrative coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations, (ii) Lorenz system exhibiting chaotic behavior, and (iii) a non-intrusive model order reduction framework for the two-dimensional Boussinesq equations with a differentially heated cavity flow setup at various Rayleigh numbers. Using only snapshots of state variables at discrete time instances, our data-driven approach can be considered truly non-intrusive, since any prior information about the underlying governing equations is not required for generating the reduced order model. Our \textit{a posteriori} analysis shows that the proposed data-driven approach is remarkably accurate, and can be used as a robust predictive tool for non-intrusive model order reduction of complex fluid flows.