A system and method for optimizing passive control strategies of oscillatory instabilities in turbulent systems using finite-time Lyapunov exponents are disclosed. The method includes receiving data from one or more measuring devices connected to the turbulent flow system incorporating a control strategy in the flow field. One or more flow characteristics are determined from the data obtained from the measuring devices. The method involves computing critical dynamics from backward time finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) field based on the one or more flow characteristics. Next, one or more regions of critical dynamics associated with impending oscillatory instabilities in the turbulent flow system are identified. The identified region of critical dynamics is disrupted the control the onset of oscillatory instabilities in the turbulent flow system.