Recent Developments in Variational Multiscale Methods for Large-Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Flow

Abstract

The variational multiscale method is reviewed as a framework for developing computational methods for large-eddy simulation of turbulent flow. In contrast to other articles reviewing this topic, which focused on large-eddy simulation of turbulent incompressible flow, this study covers further aspects of numerically simulating turbulent flow as well as applications beyond incompressible single-phase flow. The various concepts for subgrid-scale modeling within the variational multiscale method for large-eddy simulation proposed by researchers in this field to date are illustrated. These conceptions comprise (i) implicit large-eddy simulation, represented by residual-based and stabilized methods, (ii) functional subgrid-scale modeling via small-scale subgrid-viscosity models and (iii) structural subgrid-scale modeling via the introduction of multifractal subgrid scales. An overview on exemplary numerical test cases to which the reviewed methods have been applied in the past years is provided, including explicit computational results obtained from turbulent channel flow. Wall-layer modeling, passive and active scalar transport as well as developments for large-eddy simulation of turbulent two-phase flow and combustion are discussed to complete this exposition.