LES grid resolution requirements for the modelling of gravity currents

The influence of the grid resolution on the large eddy simulation (LES) of a lock-exchange turbidity current is investigated. The simulations are performed using a finite volume Boussinesq code with a Smagorinsky turbulence model for a range of buoyancy Reynolds numbers, ranging from transitional currents (Reb=1,000) to fully-developed turbulence (Reb=60,000). The general features of the flow and the relative independence of the current front for Reb>10,000 are correctly predicted. In agreement with previous research, the spanwise two-point correlations are found to be the most useful quantities to assess the mesh resolution. In addition, velocity power spectrum densities are used to provide information on the maximum cell size required to ensure the LES filter cutoff wavelength is inside the inertial range of the turbulence spectra. We show that at low Reynolds numbers, the turbulence model is too restrictive and direct resolution (DNS) is preferable. For 10,000