Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/102614
Title: Using meshes to change the characteristics of simulated rainfall produced by spray nozzles
Authors: Carvalho, Sílvia C. P. 
Lima, João L. M. P. de 
Lima, M. Isabel P. de 
Keywords: Rainfall simulators; Spray nozzle; meshes; Drop characteristics
Issue Date: 2014
Project: Doctoral Grant SFRH/BD/60213/2009 
PTDC/ECM/105446/2008 
Serial title, monograph or event: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
Volume: 2
Issue: 2
Abstract: Rainfall simulators have been used for many years contributing to the understanding of soil and water conservation processes. Nevertheless, rainfall simulators’ design and operation might be rather demanding for achieving specific rainfall intensity distributions and drop characteristics and are still open for improvement. This study explores the potential of combining spray nozzle simulators with meshes to change rainfall characteristics, namely drop properties (drop diameters and fall speeds). A rainfall simulator laboratory set-up was prepared that enabled the incorporation of different wire meshes beneath the spray nozzles. The tests conducted in this exploratory work included different types of spray nozzles, mesh materials (plastic and steel), square apertures and wire thicknesses, and positions of the meshes in relation to the nozzles. Rainfall intensity and drop size distribution and fall speed were analysed. Results showed that the meshes combined with nozzles increased the mean rainfall intensity on the 1 m2 control plot below the nozzle and altered the rain drops’ properties, by increasing the mass-weighted mean drop diameter, for example.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/102614
ISSN: 20956339
DOI: 10.1016/S2095-6339(15)30007-1
Rights: openAccess
Appears in Collections:FCTUC Eng.Civil - Artigos em Revistas Internacionais

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