A dynamic nonlinear subgrid-scale stress model

Abstract

In this paper, a dynamic subgrid scale (SGS) stress model based on Speziale’s quadratic nonlinear constitutive relation [C. G. Speziale, J. Fluid Mech. 178, 459 (1987); T. B. Gatski and C. G. Speziale, J. Fluid Mech. 254, 59 (1993)] is proposed, which includes the conventional dynamic SGS model as its first-order approximation. The closure method utilizes both the symmetric and antisymmetric parts of the resolved velocity gradient, and allows for a nonlinear anisotropic representation of the SGS stress tensor. Unlike the conventional Smagorinsky type modeling approaches, the proposed model does not require an alignment between the SGS stress tensor and the resolved strain rate tensor. It exhibits significant flexibility in self-calibration of the model coefficients, and local stability without the need for plane averaging to avoid excessive backscatter of SGS turbulence kinetic energy and potential modeling singularity problems. It also allows for variable tensorial geometric relations between the SGS stress and its constituent terms, and reflects both forward and backward scatters of SGS turbulence kinetic energy between the filtered and subgrid scales of motions. Turbulent Couette flow for Reynolds numbers (based on channel height and one half the velocity difference between the two plates) of 2600 and 4762 was used in numerical simulations to validate the proposed approach.