Project Title:

Parallel Large Eddy Simulation Code for Geophysical and Space

Cambridge Hydrodynamics, Inc.
P. O. Box 1403
Princeton, NJ 08542

93-1-07     02   1515

Parallel Large Eddy Simulation Code for Geophysical and Space
Physical Applications

Abstract:

An effective simulation tool for the study of flows ranging from
global earth or planetary circulations down to estuary scales and
below is now feasible using massively parallel supercomputers.
However, because of the wide range of scales and physical
phenomena, no single code is likely to handle all problems. Here
we propose to develop a systematic hierarchy of coupled codes
that employ high-order efficient algorithms, state-of-the-art
parallel computing software, and advanced turbulence modeling
techniques. In Phase I, we shall develop an important building
block of this integrated package, namely, a renormalization-group
(RNG) large-eddy simulation (LES) code for flow simulations on
scales of up to O(100) kilometers in the horizontal direction
based on a robust high-order finite-difference algorithm for
parallel supercomputers. In Phase II, this new code will be
integrated with simulation tools for three-dimensional modeling
of meso- and large-scale circulations. In particular, data
obtained from simulations using the LES code will provide the
necessary input for modeling of vertical mixing in the oceanic
boundary layer to be used for global circulation modeling. A key
feature of this work is the implementation of new advances in RNG
modeling of geophysical and space physical flows that leads to
high-order stabilization of negative viscosity phenomena
important for global dynamics.

Prediction of geophysical flows is a growing and important field
of technology. Advanced parallel simulation methods and
well-founded physical models are required to achieve efficient
and effective prediction of flows, including estuary and coastal
circulations, which should find broad application to
environmental protection and pollutant cleanup problems. By
integrating the simulation tools to be developed here into our
standard and widely used CFD and turbulence modeling
environments, a substantial market is anticipated.

Large-eddy simulation Parallel supercomputer Turbulence
Renormalization group High-order scheme Geophysical fluid
dynamics