Estimation of Flow Turbulence Metrics With a Lateral Line Probe and Regression

The time-averaged velocity of water flow is the most commonly measured metric for both laboratory and field applications. Its employment in scientific and engineering studies often leads to an oversimplification of the underlying flow physics. In reality, complex flows are ubiquitous, and commonly arise from fluid-body interactions with man-made structures, such as bridges as well as from natural flows along rocky river beds. Studying flows outside of laboratory conditions requires more detailed information in addition to time-averaged flow properties. The choice of in situ measuring device capable of delivering turbulence metrics is determined based on site accessibility, the required measuring period, and overall flow complexity. Current devices are suitable for measuring turbulence under controlled laboratory conditions, and thus there remains a technology gap for turbulence measurement in the field. In this paper, we show how a bioinspired fish-shaped probe outfitted with an artificial lateral line can be utilized to measure turbulence metrics under challenging conditions. The device and proposed signal processing methods are experimentally validated in a scale vertical slot fishway, which represents an extreme turbulent environment, such as those commonly encountered in the field. Optimal performance is achieved after 10 s of sampling using a standard deviation feature.