  We propose a novel model-free self-learning cluster-based control strategy
for general nonlinear feedback flow control technique, benchmarked for
high-fidelity simulations of post-stall separated flows over an airfoil. The
present approach partitions the flow trajectories (force measurements) into
clusters, which correspond to characteristic coarse-grained phases in a
low-dimensional feature space. A feedback control law is then sought for each
cluster state through iterative evaluation and downhill simplex search to
minimize power consumption in flight. Unsupervised clustering of the flow
trajectories for in-situ learning and optimization of coarse-grained control
laws are implemented in an automated manner as key enablers. Re-routing the
flow trajectories, the optimized control laws shift the cluster populations to
the aerodynamically favorable states. Utilizing limited number of sensor
measurements for both clustering and optimization, these feedback laws were
determined in only $O(10)$ iterations. The objective of the present work is not
necessarily to suppress flow separation but to minimize the desired cost
function to achieve enhanced aerodynamic performance. The present control
approach is applied to the control of two and three-dimensional separated flows
over a NACA 0012 airfoil with large-eddy simulations at an angle of attack of
$9^\circ$, Reynolds number $Re = 23,000$ and free-stream Mach number $M_\infty
= 0.3$. The optimized control laws effectively minimize the flight power
consumption enabling the flows to reach a low-drag state. The present work aims
to address the challenges associated with adaptive feedback control design for
turbulent separated flows at moderate Reynolds number.
