Large-Eddy-Simulation of Complex Flows Using the Immersed Boundary Method

Abstract

This chapter discusses large-eddy-simulation of complex flows using the immersed boundary (IB) method. In computational fluid dynamics (CFD) a lot of effort is made to simulate high Reynolds number flows with the aim of understanding the dynamics of turbulence that affects countless aspects of everyday life. This is usually done by considering simple model problems prescribed in trivial geometries because this brings to a straightforward domain discretization into a regular grid and to accurate and efficient numerical algorithms. The chapter considers recent advances in the simulation of moderately high Reynolds number flows in complex geometric configurations. Although modern computers are experiencing an unprecedented growth in computing power, the numerical simulation of the above flows is still challenging owing to the handling of complex geometries and turbulence modeling that is the classical bottlenecks for the application of CFD to industrially relevant problems. In this respect, the immersed boundary (IB) method has shown to be a valid alternative for the treatment of complex geometries, although additional issues must be addressed. This chapter aims at describing the main techniques, showing some illustrative examples and discussing the main drawbacks and possible solutions.