Large eddy simulation of turbulent flows: Benchmarking on a rectangular prism

Preliminary results of a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of rectangular cylinder performed with Open Foam are presented. This is the preliminary part of a longer research project aimed at systematically study the ability of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques in reproducing the flow around slender bodies with sharp edges at high Reynolds numbers. In spite of the simple geometry, the problem is influenced by a number of parameters which makes its correct solution difficult to be achieved. The LES approach presented here appears to be a good candidate for this purpose but further analysis must be performed. Indeed, we highlight the need to adopt a finer resolution in the spanwise direction in order to capture the very anisotropic turbulent dynamics. Furthermore, it emerges the need of Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data in order to shed light on the compound role played by the turbulence model, the grid resolution and the inlet conditions.