Taking large-eddy simulation of wall-bounded flows to higher Reynolds numbers by use of anisotropy-resolving subgrid models

• Properly resolved large-eddy simulations of wall-bounded high Reynolds number flows using standard subgrid-scale (SGS) models requires high spatial and temporal resolution. We have shown that a more elaborate SGS model taking into account the SGS Reynolds stress anisotropies can relax the requirement for the number of grid points by at least an order of magnitude for the same accuracy. This was shown by applying the recently developed explicit algebraic subgrid-scale model (EAM) to fully developed high Reynolds number channel flows with friction Reynolds numbers of 550, 2000, and 5200. The near-wall region is fully resolved, i.e., no explicit wall modeling or wall functions are applied. A dynamic procedure adjusts the model at the wall for both low and high Reynolds numbers. The resolution is reduced, from the typically recommended 50 and 15 wall units in the stream-and spanwise directions respectively, by up to a factor of 5 in each direction. It was shown by comparison with direct numerical simulations that the EAM is much less sensitive to reduced resolution than the dynamic Smagorinsky model. Skin friction coefficients, mean flow profiles, and Reynolds stresses are better predicted by the EAM for a given resolution. Even the notorious overprediction of the streamwise fluctuation intensity typically seen in poorly resolved LES is significantly reduced whenEAMis used on coarse grids. The improved prediction is due to the capability of the EAM to capture the SGS anisotropy, which becomes significant close to the wall.

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