The sensitivity of large-eddy simulation of turbulent shear flow to subgrid models

Abstract

Previous large-eddy simulations of turbulent shear flows have shown significant sensitivity to some aspects of the subgrid-scale turbulence models. In particular, Mason and Thomson (1992) demonstrated a marked improvement in simulations through the inclusion of stochastic stress variations in the subgrid model. Here a series of simulations is presented with a view to exploring the general sensitivity to such a subgrid model and in particular to the size and nature of the stochastic stress variations. The model proposed by Mason and Thomson is found to be fairly satisfactory but some quantitative uncertainty remains.