The maturation of high-performance computer architectures and computational algorithms has prompted the development of a new generation of models that attempt to combine the robustness and efficiency offered by the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes; equations with the higher level of modeling offered by the equations developed for large eddy simulation. The application of a new hybrid approach is discussed, where the transition between these equation sets is controlled by a blending function that depends on local turbulent flow properties, as well as the local mesh spacing. The utilization of local turbulence properties provides added control in specifying the regions of the flow intended for each equation set, removing much of the burden from the grid-generation process. Moreover, the model framework allows for the combination of existing closure model equations, avoiding the difficulty of formulating a single set of closure coefficients that perform well in both Reynolds averaged and large eddy simulation modes. Simple modifications to common second-order accurate Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes algorithms are proposed to enhance the capturing of large eddy motions. Incompressible Poiseuille flow, supersonic base How, and supersonic flow over recessed cavities were considered to evaluate various aspects of the proposed model and computational framework. Calculations using another hybrid approach (detached eddy simulation) were also performed for comparison.
