Implicit LES methods are numerical methods that capture the energy-containing and
inertial ranges of turbulent flows, while relying on their own intrinsic dissipation to
act as a subgrid model. We present a scheme-dependent Kolmogorov scaling analysis
of the solutions produced by such methods. From this analysis we can define
an effective Reynolds number for implicit LES simulations of inviscid flow.
The approach can also be used to define an effective Reynolds number for
under-resolved viscous simulations. Simulations of maintained homogeneous
isotropic turbulence and the Taylor–Green vortex are presented to support this
proposal and highlight similarities and differences with real-world viscous
fluids. Direct comparison with data from high resolution
DNScalculations
provides validation of the effective viscosity and effective Kolmogorov length
scale.