A database for reduced-complexity modeling of fluid flows

Reduced-complexity models have proven valuable for analyzing, understanding, and controlling fluid flows. Often, these models require data as an a priori input or as an a posteriori point of comparison. We present a publicly accessible database specifically designed to aid in the conception, training, demonstration, evaluation, and comparison of reduced-complexity models for fluid mechanics. The database contains time-resolved data for six distinct datasets: a large eddy simulation of a turbulent jet, direct numerical simulations of a zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer, particle-image-velocimetry measurements for the same boundary layer at several Reynolds numbers, direct numerical simulations of laminar stationary and pitching flat-plate airfoils, particle-image-velocimetry and force measurements of an airfoil encountering a gust, and a large eddy simulation of the separated, turbulent flow over an airfoil. For each dataset, we describe the flow setup and computational/experimental methods, catalog the data available in the database, and provide examples of how these data can be used for reduced-complexity modeling. All data can be downloaded using a browser interface or Globus. We envision that the common testbed provided by the database will help the fluid mechanics community clarify the distinct capabilities of new and existing reduced-complexity modeling methods. To this end, a subset of the data will serve as the starting point for a new series of challenges posed to the community in data-driven forecasting, sensing, and compression.