We consider in this paper
the problem of finding appropriate models for Large Eddy Simulations of
turbulent incompressible flows from a mathematical
point of view. The Smagorinsky model is analyzed
and the vorticity formulation
of the Navier–Stokes equations is used to explore more efficient
subgrid-scale models as minimal
regularizations of these equations.
Two classes of variants of the Smagorinsky model emerge from this approach:
a model based on anisotropic turbulent viscosity and
a selective model based on vorticity angles. The efficiency of these models
is demonstrated by comparisons with reference results
on decaying turbulence experiments.