Restricted Nonlinear Large Eddy Simulations of Turbulent Boundary Layers

This work employs the restricted nonlinear wall-resolved large eddy simulation (RNL-WRLES) framework to investigate moderate Reynolds number temporally developing boundary layers over a moving plate. RNL-LES models have previously reproduced low order statistics and structural features of wall-bounded turbulent flows in a simplified setting comprising a streamwise averaged mean flow interacting with a small number of streamwise varying modes. This work demonstrates that a similar reduced order setting provides good predictions of low order statistics and integral quantities such as skin friction coefficient and shape factor for temporally developing boundary layers. Varying the model parametrization provides insight into momentum transfer within the flow. The temporally developing turbulent boundary layers studied compare well with spatially developing boundary layers suggesting this reduced-order model can help better understand temporal evolution, despite limited streamwise scales, of the flow.