The Journal of Hydraulic Research (JHR) publishes research papers in theoretical, experimental and computational hydraulics and fluid mechanics, relating to rivers, lakes, estuaries, coasts, constructed waterways, and some internal flows such as pipe flows. To reflect current trends in water research, articles that explore outcomes of interdisciplinary hydro-environment studies with a strong fluid mechanical component are especially welcome. Although preference is given to fundamental issues, papers focusing on important unconventional or emerging applications of broad interest are also appreciated.

IAHR members can access the latest issue online.
Non IAHR members must access through Taylor & Francis website.

 Overview

The current issue of the Journal of Hydraulic Research comprises eleven original contributions: a Vision Paper, nine Research Papers, and a Technical Note. These papers could be grouped into the following general topic areas: deep learning methods (2), aerator related issues (4), fish and fish-egg movement (2), anti-sloshing structures, flow in a sharp bend and in partially filled pipes.

More specifically, the authors of the Vision Paper present the explainable deep learning approach as a promising tool for dealing with a variety of complex hydro-environmental engineering problems. The authors of the Research Papers consider: 

• the use of deep neural networks (DNNs) to reproduce time-resolved hydrodynamics in dam-break flows through vegetation;

• air entrainment and droplet characteristics in rectangular jet flow;

• development of a combined aerator (DV-type), integrating a dovetail-shaped ramp with a variable slope section, for improving aeration and enhancing cavity stability;

• design of wedge aerator for optimizing their hydraulic characteristics;

• three-dimensional movement characteristics of semi-buoyant fish eggs in decelerating flows;

• design of an innovative modular and polymorphic baffle system address the adaptability limitations of conventional fishways; framework for the design of anti-sloshing structures;

• effects of a point bar on the flow structure and boundary shear stress in a 120° sharp bend;

• impact of secondary flow currents on pressure fluctuations and turbulence structures near the wall of partially-filled pipes;

• air diffusion in the flow reattachment region downstream of a chute aerator.

Undoubtedly, these contributions inform, both researchers and practitioners, about the latest developments on subjects of importance to our profession.. 

 Vision paper

Perspectives on explainable reinforcement learning (XRL) for hydraulic systems  
Andres Cremades, Sergio Hoyas and Ricardo Vinuesa
Pages 317-338 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2636110

 Research Papers

Deep neural network modelling of dam-break flows through vegetation  
Shunsuke Iwasaki, Arata Yamazaki, Keito Asai, Nanami Hasegawa and Tomoyuki Takabatake
Pages 339-358 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2642724

Experimental investigation of air entrainment and droplet characteristics in a rectangular jet flow
Haozhou Zhang, Guo Bai, Shanjun Liu and Ruidi Bai
Pages 359-369 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2657361

Experimental investigation of a novel combined aerator integrating dovetail ramp and variable slope for mild-slope chute spillways 
Fangfang Wang, Xiufeng Wu, Manman Kuang, Jianying Xing, Ang Gao and Shiqiang Wu
Pages 370-383 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2630717

Pressure and velocity of a wedge aerator at the bottom outlet  
Tantao Song, Jun Deng, Weilin Xu, Chao Liu and Wangru Wei
Pages 384-397 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2635126

Movement of surrogate semi-buoyant fish eggs in decelerating flow 
Wei Yang, Dong-Mei Qin, Geng Li, Xian-Bing Zhang, Ya-Ping Hu, Sheng-Fa Yang, Wen-Jie Li and Jiang Hu
Pages 398-408 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2651229

Experiments on hydraulic characteristics of a modular and polymorphic baffle system for adaptive fishway
Guiwen Rong, Yangyan Zhang, Hongling Jiang, Tengyu Ma, Ao Liu and Huaiqing Ran
Pages 409-427 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2649032

Sloshing dynamics and suppression in tanks under marine excitations 
Changlei Shao, Xiaoxuan Kang, Xiong Cao, Dongyang Li, Sichao Tan, Wei Shi, Kun Zhang and Wei Zhang
Pages 428-444 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2630667

Influence of point bars on flow structure and bed shear stress in a sharp bend
Zhuoliang Zhou, Minghui Yu, Haoyong Tian, Di Wu and Huawei Xiang
Pages: 445-467 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2621814

Effect of secondary currents on the wall pressure and turbulence structures in partially-filled pipes
Yan Liu, Thorsten Stoesser and Hongwei Fang
Pages: 468-489 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2652451

 Technical note

Bottom air diffusion in flow re-attachment downstream a chute aerator  
Wangru Wei, Jun Deng, Chao Liu, Fangzhou Ye and Weilin Xu
Pages 490-496 | DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2026.2638869

Call for Papers

• Call for Papers for a Special Issue on Sediment Transport in Large Rivers
  Special Issue Editor: Professor Junqiang Xia

• Call for Papers for Breaching of Earthen Dam and Dike Structures: Lessons Learned from Recent Field, Laboratory, and Numerical Studies
  Special Issue Editors: Sandra Soares-Frazão, Sílvia Amaral and Matthew Halso