Experimental and numerical investigation of hydrodynamics of 3D turbulent flows for downstream fish passage facilities and meta-analysis of swimming performance for fish passage

The purpose of this joint project is to perform experimental (3D physical models of fish bypasses) and 3D numerical modelling investigations to understand the role of hydrodynamics, including turbulence, on various bypass designs for downstream fish passage, for example, bar racks (representing conditions downstream migrating fish may need to negotiate).

This will allow the full expression of hydrodynamic fields to be quantified, especially metrics of turbulence which recent literature indicates are important for assessing fish responses and physiological stress. More importantly, this will allow more effective assessment of fish responses as they approach and attempt to enter bypass designs involving 3D flows. Furthermore, findings may lead to bypass modifications or inspire new designs which would better match hydrodynamics, swimming abilities and fish behaviour and develop more effective ways for downstream passage which, unlike upstream bypasses, lacks sufficient research efforts.