Calibration of a new very large eddy simulation (VLES) methodology for turbulent flow simulation

Journal article, 2012

Following the idea of Speziale's Very Large Eddy Simulation (VLES) method, a new unified hybrid simulation approach was proposed which can change seamlessly from RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) to LES (Large Eddy Simulation) method depending on the numerical resolution. The model constants were calibrated in accordance with other hybrid methods. Besides being able to approach the two limits of RANS and LES, the new model also provides a proper VLES mode between the two limits, and thus can be used for a wide range of mesh resolutions. Also RANS simulation can be recovered near the wall which is similar to the Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) concept. This new methodology was implemented into Wilcox's k-omega model and applications were conducted for fully developed turbulent channel flow at Re (tau) = 395 and turbulent flow past a square cylinder at Re = 22000. Results were compared with LES predictions and other studies. The new method is found to be quite efficient in resolving large flow structures, and can predict satisfactory results on relative coarse mesh.