Encyclopedia of atmospheric sciences

Abstract

Synopsis Large-eddy simulation (LES) is a numerical technique for integrating spatially filtered equations of motion that describe high-Reynolds number time-evolving, three-dimensional turbulence. The spatial filtering cuts off the high frequency or small-scale part of the turbulence spectrum. Virtual turbulence generated by LES has been shown to be a surrogate for measurements of turbulent flow fields. LES is widely used for turbulence research and for applications. This article describes the LES technique, and reviews its contributions to and use in atmospheric sciences.