Direct Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Fluid Flow

Abstract

An overview is given of benefits, costs and challenges associated with direct, i.e. model-free, numerical simulations of turbulence. The central role played by the Reynolds number, and its relationship to the computational cost, is explained. Critical numerical issues are introduced, including the rationale for the widespread use of spectral and finite-difference methods. Practical guidelines are offered for performing this specialist subset of Computational Fluid Dynamics.