Evaluating LES subgrid-scale models for high heat flux flows

This work is concerned with the modeling of a strongly heated, low Mach number, gas flowing upward within a vertical tube with constant heat flux boundary conditions. Four large eddy subgrid models are compared in their ability to predict the temperature distribution in the heated pipe. All LES models predict the mean velocity profile reasonably well. The RMS values of the Smagorinsky-Lilly model and the WALE model show the same shape but different magnitude while the standard Smagorinsky model shows the maximum at a different location. The mean temperature profiles along the wall in the section with the prescribed heat flux are underpredicted by all LES models.