Relevance of the subgrid-scales for large eddy simulations of turbulence-radiation interactions in a turbulent plane jet

An a priori study based on direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a non-isothermal turbulent plane jet has been carried out in order to analyse the role of the small-scales of turbulence on thermal radiation. Filtered DNS and large eddy simulation (LES) without subgrid-scale (SGS) model have been estimated for the radiative heat transfer. The comparison of the results highlights the subgrid-scale influence over the filtered radiation quantities, such as the radiative intensity and the radiative emission. The influence of the optical thickness is also studied. It is shown that the subgrid-scales are not significant near the centerline of the jet, where the radiative heat transfer is more important, and therefore that the SGS can be neglected in this configuration. However, when the optical thickness increases, the SGS become relevant and SGS modeling may be needed.

Research Highlights► Neglecting the SGS-TRI remains a good approximation at the far field of a plane jet. ► The SGS-TRI are relevant near the jet edge in strong temperature gradient region. ► Subgrid-scale models for emission TRI may be needed at strong optical thicknesses.