Evaluation of Smagorinsky‐based subgrid‐scale models in a finite‐volume computation

Smagorinsky‐based models are assessed in a turbulent channel flow simulation at Re_b=2800 and Re_b=12500. The Navier–Stokes equations are solved with three different grid resolutions by using a co‐located finite‐volume method. Computations are repeated with Smagorinsky‐based subgrid‐scale models. A traditional Smagorinsky model is implemented with a van Driest damping function. A dynamic model assumes a similarity of the subgrid and the subtest Reynolds stresses and an explicit filtering operation is required. A top‐hat test filter is implemented with a trapezoidal and a Simpson rule. At the low Reynolds number computation none of the tested models improves the results at any grid level compared to the calculations with no model. The effect of the subgrid‐scale model is reduced as the grid is refined. The numerical implementation of the test filter influences on the result. At the higher Reynolds number the subgrid‐scale models stabilize the computation. An analysis of an accurately resolved flow field reveals that the discretization error overwhelms the subgrid term at Re_b=2800 in the most part of the computational domain. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.