Direct Numerical Simulation: A review

Abstract

This paper is about the Direct Numerical Simulation method for modeling turbulence flows. It reviews the use of spectral method via Fourier analysis in solving the Navier-Stokes equations for turbulent flows. The method solves and accounts for the various scales found in turbulent flows. Its ability to exactly solve without averaging or approximating makes it the best method possible to solve turbulent flow problems albeit requiring extensive computer capabilities to solve.