Variational multiscale turbulence modelling in a high order spectral element method

One of the more promising recent approaches to turbulence modelling is the Variational Multiscale Large Eddy Simulation (VMS LES) method proposed by Hughes et al. [Comp. Visual. Sci., vol. 3, pp. 47-59, 2000]. This method avoids several conceptual issues of traditional filter-based LES by employing a priori scale partitioning in the discretization of the Navier-Stokes equations. Most applications of VMS LES reported to date have been based on hierarchical bases, in particular global spectral methods, in which scale partitioning is straightforward. In the present work we describe the implementation of the methodology in a three-dimensional high-order spectral element method with a nodal basis. We report results from coarse grid simulations of turbulent channel flow at different Reynolds numbers to assess the performance of the model.