Large eddy simulation of free-surface effects on the wake structures downstream of a spherical body

► The submerging elevation affects the wake region downstream of the sphere. ► Transverse waves developing rate on the free-surface is maximum for h/d=0.25. ► Interactions between the free-surface and wake depends on the submerging elevation. ► Interactions between the wake and free-surface are maximum for h/d=0.25. ► After h/d=2.00 flow over the sphere may be assumed to be a free-stream flow.