Large eddy simulation of turbulent flows by a least-squares finite element method

The least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) based on first-order formulations of governing equations has been used successfully for incompressible and compressible flows and transport processes. It has not been applied to turbulent flows. In this work, large eddy simulation (LES) with dynamic subgrid-scale models is used to simulate turbulent flows. The LSFEM is implemented to solve the filtered LES equations for turbulent flows and transport processes. Numerical experiments have been carried out for three types of turbulent flows, turbulent channel flow, transitional recirculating flow, and thermal convective turbulent flow. Numerical results are compared with experimental data or direct numerical simulation results.