The purpose of this study is to theoretically and numerically investigate the behavior of different subgrid scale (SGS) models for large eddy simulations (LES) of compressible fluids in engineering applications. Various models have been analyzed including eddy viscosity, scale similarity, mixed and dynamic models and finally the concept of monotone integrated large eddy simulation (MILES). The theoretical investigation concerns primarily the demonstration and motivation of the frame indifference constraint and the application of this physical requirement on the various SGS models. LES’ utilizing the presented models have been carried out in a configuration corresponding to a bluff body flow in a rectilinear duct. Experimental data, obtained by LDV, are used for investigating the simulation results. It is found that the results from the numerical simulations are fairly resilient to the SGS models selected when the computational grid is fine enough. However, the different SGS models reproduce the energy dissipation or the interscale energy transfer −B⋅D˜and the SGS fluxes div Bin highly dissimilar ways. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.