Model Library

MIKE 3

Model name: MIKE 3

Developed by: Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) Group, Inc. (Last update: 2024)

Model type: 3D, distributed, deterministic, process-based, hydrodynamic waterbody model

Computational requirements: 64-bit Windows (Windows Server 2019 or higher, Windows 10 Pro or 11 Pro), 2.2 GHz or higher, 8 GB minimum of RAM, 64 GB minimum of storage, Resolution 1024 x 720 or higher, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.

Software requirements: GIS: optional.

Link to download model: Not open-source.

Capabilities and Limitations:

Capabilities

  • 3D modeling;
  • It has a modular design;
  • MIKE 3 supports coupling with other models;
  • It provides detailed simulations of advection-dispersion processes, supporting both conservative and decaying substances;
  • MIKE 3 supports both structured and unstructured grid systems with MIKE 3 FM model;
  • The model is continuously improved by the developers.

Limitations

  • Not open-source;
  • MIKE 3 requires many input data;
  • MIKE 3 can face issues with numerical stability, particularly in simulations involving steep gradients or highly dynamic systems (DHI, 2011);
  • Turbines need to be positioned relative to the seabed, not the water surface, which means floating turbines cannot be accurately modeled (Baston et al., 2015);
  • Simulating support structures that do not follow a vertical cylindrical shape, such as tripod designs, may pose challenges (Baston et al., 2015);
  • When using small mesh sizes, turbines' effects are systematically underestimated, especially when mesh triangle sides are smaller than approximately 150m (Baston et al., 2015).

Model Inputs and Outputs:

Inputs

Bathymetry, Boundary conditions, Initial conditions, Meteorological data, Hydrological data, Mesh/Grid setup, Friction coefficient, Calibration data, Validation data, Vertical profiling, Stratification data

Outputs

Maps/animations/tables/graphs/reports of time-series simulation of water movement, hydrological, and water quality parameters in 3D environments over specified periods or during rainfall events.

Example:

Reference

Fan, S., Huang, T., Li, N., Li, K., Wen, G., Li, Y., & Zhang, H. (2022). Effects of flood discharge on the water quality of a drinking water reservoir in China – Characteristics and management strategies. Journal of Environmental Management, 314, 115072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115072

Objective

The objectives of this study were: (1) reveal the effects of flood discharge on the physical and chemical characteristics of a reservoir via in-situ measurement data; (2) explore the influence of spillway outlet elevation, the inflow and outflow discharges of the reservoir, and flood density on the effect of flood discharge using a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model; and (3) formulate a scientific flood discharge pattern for reservoir administrators to aid in the management of water quality and safety.