A High-Order Overset-Grid Approach for Large Eddy Simulations

A parallel, high-order, overset-grid method is validated for use in large eddy simulation (LES) through its application to turbulent flow problems. The current method employs a high-order, compact finite-difference approach to evaluate spatial derivatives, with up-to-tenth-order low-pass filters used to remove high-frequency spurious wave content. These filters have also been found to be effective in modeling the dissipation that occurs at the unresolved scales in the flow for LES simulations. Temporal integration is based on an implicit, approximately-factored and diagonalized, second-order algorithm, which reduces the time-step constraints present in explicit time-marching methods for wall-bounded viscous flows. Parallelization, geometric complexity, and local grid refinement are all addressed through the use of an overset-grid approach, with grid communication provided by high-order Lagrangian interpolation. Problems demonstrating this approach include fully turbulent channel flow and flows over a single circular cylinder, a general delta-wing configuration, and a realistic UAV geometry.