**Preface to "Advances in Hydraulics and Hydroinformatics"**

Great progress has been made in the research on hydraulics, hydrodynamics and hydroinformatics over the past few decades. This includes theoretical, experimental and numerical studies, leading to a new understanding and knowledge of water-related problems, covering a wide range of topics and applications such as hydrology, water quality, river and channel flows. For example, coherent vortex structures in a backward-facing step flow and secondary flow in an open channel bend are measured using PIV; the flow through a Y-shaped confluence channel partially covered with rigid vegetation on its inner bank is measured by ADV. Meanwhile, the velocity decay of an offset jet in a narrow and deep pool, and the skimming flow over a pooled stepped spillway, are studied numerically. In addition, mechanisms for sediment transport due to riverbank failure and a method of predicting maximum scour depth are investigated, and cavitation bubble collapse and its impact on a wall are studied. In order to accelerate knowledge transfer in resolving engineering problems, this Special Issue reports both on the state-of-the-art of the aforementioned research topics, and on advances in sediment transport dynamics, two-phase flows, flow-induced vibration, and hydropower station hydraulics. The goals of this Special Issue are to improve our understanding of the foregoing flow problems and to stimulate future research in these areas, aiming for an improved quality of life.

> **Jian Guo Zhou, Jianmin Zhang, Yong Peng, Alistair G. L. Borthwick** *Special Issue Editors*
