A Subgrid-Scale Model for Turbulent Flow in Porous Media

Abstract

Given the analogy between the filtered equations of large eddy simulation and volume-averaged Navier–Stokes equations in porous media, a subgrid-scale model is presented to account for the residual stresses within the porous medium. The proposed model is based on the kinetic energy balance of the filtered velocity field within a pore; hence, when using the model, numerical simulations of the turbulent flow in the pores are not required. The accuracy of the model is validated with available data in the literature on turbulent flow through packed beds and staggered arrangement of square cylinders. The validation yields that the model successfully captures the effect of the pore-scale turbulent motion. The model is then used to study turbulent flow in a wall-bounded porous media to assess its accuracy.