3D modeling of a river type dam fish passage by CFD

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models provide comprehensive information about the fluid flow around water structures. This paper discusses the CFD solution of a pool type fish passage model and evaluate the results in order to improve a fish passage structure. Numerical model is prepared and solved using a commercial CFD software ANSYS CFX. Transient, two phase, free surface simulation is performed under realistic boundary and initial conditions. Discharge and velocity distribution for each pool section of the structure are determined and compared with certain limitations. As a result of the CFD solution, geometrical improvements for the structure is suggested which are believed to provide better flow patterns suitable for fish route.