Hybrid LES‐RANS Modeling of Complex Turbulent Flows

Abstract

The paper describes a state-of-the-art hybrid LES-URANS method for the simulation of complex internal and external turbulent flows. Relying on a unified LES-URANS approach with a soft interface the methodology is designed for wall-bounded non-equilibrium flows. The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) mode within the hybrid approach is taken into account by an explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model (EARSM), which guarantees an appropriate representation of the anisotropic near-wall turbulence. All non-closed terms in the transport equation of the turbulent kinetic energy are modeled by enhanced formulations using the EARSM (production and diffusion term) and the splitting of the dissipation rate into a homogeneous and an inhomogeneous contribution. The former is expressed analytically by a Taylor series expansion of the homogeneous lateral Taylor microscale in the vicinity of the wall guaranteeing the correct asymptotic behavior. The latter is incorporated into the diffusion term. The interface location between the large-eddy simulation (LES) mode and the URANS mode is determined automatically on-the-fly based on the modeled turbulent kinetic energy and the distance to the wall. For transitional (external) flows an additional dynamic transition criterion is applied which determines the laminar and the turbulent flow regimes and is combined with the existing interface criterion. An internal flow over a periodic arrangement of hills and an external flow past a SD7003 airfoil with a laminar separation bubble are taken into account for a detailed evaluation of the method.