Improving separated-flow predictions using an anisotropy-capturing subgrid-scale model

•A comparison between LES predictions using an anisotropy-capturing [Explicit algebraic subgrid-scale model of Marstorp et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 639, 2009, pp. 403–432)] and dynamic eddy-viscosity (DEVM) subgrid-scale models is made.•The anisotropy-capturing subgrid-scale model gives reasonable predictions at a wide range of resolutions.•Contrary to the anisotropy-capturing model, the DEVM fails to properly predict separated flow at a coarse resolution.•The eddy-viscosity part of the anisotropy-capturing model, was found to have a better formulation than the DEVM.•The nonlinear part of the anisotropy-capturing model is shown to play an important role in its predictions.