Wave suppression by nonlinear finite-dimensional control

Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers (KdVB) and Kuramoto-Sivashinsky (KS) equations are two nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) which can adequately describe motion of waves in a variety of fluid flow processes. We synthesize nonlinear low-dimensional output feedback controllers for the KdVB and KS equations that enhance convergence rate and achieve stabilization to spatially uniform steady states, respectively. The approach used for controller synthesis employs nonlinear Galerkin's method to derive low-dimensional approximations of the PDEs, which are subsequently used for controller synthesis via geometric control methods. The controllers use measurements obtained by point sensors and are implemented through point control actuators. The performance of the proposed controllers is successfully tested through simulations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.