Analysis of implicit LES methods

Implicit LES methods are numerical methods that capture the energy-containing and inertial ranges of turbulent flows, while relying on their own intrinsic dissipation to act as a subgrid model. We present a scheme-dependent Kolmogorov scaling analysis of the solutions produced by such methods. From this analysis we can define an effective Reynolds number for implicit LES simulations of inviscid flow. The approach can also be used to define an effective Reynolds number for under-resolved viscous simulations. Simulations of maintained homogeneous isotropic turbulence and the Taylor–Green vortex are presented to support this proposal and highlight similarities and differences with real-world viscous fluids. Direct comparison with data from high resolution DNS calculations provides validation of the effective viscosity and effective Kolmogorov length scale.