TY - JOUR
T1 - Numerical modeling of river flow for ecohydraulic applications: some experiences with velocity characterization in field and simulated data
AU - Clifford, N.
AU - Wright, N.
AU - Harvey, G.
AU - Gurnell, A.
AU - Harmar, O.
AU - Soar, Philip
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Information regarding the spatial and temporal organization of river flow is required for many applications in river management, and is a fundamental requirement in ecohydraulics. As an alternative to detailed field surveys and to mesohabitat reconnaissance schemes, potential exists to deploy numerical flow simulation as an assessment and design tool. A key question is the extent to which complex hydrodynamic models are really practical in river management applications. This paper presents experiences using sediment simulation in intakes with multiblock, a three-dimensional modeling code, in conjunction with a statistical approach for classifying the spatiotemporal dynamics of flow behavior. Even in a simple configuration, the model is able to replicate well flow structures which associate with the mesohabitat concepts used in field reconnaissance techniques. The model also captures spatiotemporal dynamics in flow and depth behavior at these scales. However, because the model shows differential performance between flow stages and between differing channel (bed form) units, the smaller-scale and discharge-dependent dynamics of some zones within the channel may be less-well represented, and the implications of this for future research are noted.
AB - Information regarding the spatial and temporal organization of river flow is required for many applications in river management, and is a fundamental requirement in ecohydraulics. As an alternative to detailed field surveys and to mesohabitat reconnaissance schemes, potential exists to deploy numerical flow simulation as an assessment and design tool. A key question is the extent to which complex hydrodynamic models are really practical in river management applications. This paper presents experiences using sediment simulation in intakes with multiblock, a three-dimensional modeling code, in conjunction with a statistical approach for classifying the spatiotemporal dynamics of flow behavior. Even in a simple configuration, the model is able to replicate well flow structures which associate with the mesohabitat concepts used in field reconnaissance techniques. The model also captures spatiotemporal dynamics in flow and depth behavior at these scales. However, because the model shows differential performance between flow stages and between differing channel (bed form) units, the smaller-scale and discharge-dependent dynamics of some zones within the channel may be less-well represented, and the implications of this for future research are noted.
U2 - 10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0000057
DO - 10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0000057
M3 - Article
SN - 0733-9429
VL - 136
SP - 1033
EP - 1041
JO - Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
JF - Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
IS - 12
ER -