Investigation of Three-Dimensional Turbulent Cavity Flow Using Large Eddy Simulation Approach

Large eddy simulation (LES) of an incompressible flow in a threedimensional cavity at different Reynolds numbers including 3,200 and 10,000 are performed using Smagorinsky subgrid scale (SGS) model. Our computational methodologies include finite volume method using unsteady SIMPLE algorithm, employing a non-uniform staggered grid. All terms in the NavierStokes equation were discretized using Power-Law scheme. Here, the mean and root-mean-square (rms) velocities are shown in horizontal, vertical and spanwise coordinates passed through the center of the cavity and are compared with the experimental results of Prasad and K oseff (1989). Also, the ratios of turbulent viscosities to kinematic viscosity are calculated and the position of the maximum ratio is determined. Although, the Smagorinsky model does not work well near the walls, this comparison shows reasonably good agreements and it is able to resolve the dynamically significant scales of the flow within the approximations.