A Revisit of Rainfall Simulator as a Potential Tool for Hydrological Research

Abstract

Different means of hydrological data collection have developed and used. However, they are constraint in one way or other. This paper therefore revisited the rainfall simulator as potential tool for hydrological research. The research disclosed that there are three different types of rainfall simulators; drop former simulator, pressure nozzle simulator and hybrid simulator. It can further be classified as indoor model and outdoor. The research also showed that precipitation is the driving force in hydrological studies. Consequently, in the design of rainfall simulator, the following should be taken into consideration: nozzle spacing, pump size, nozzle size, nozzle type, nozzle spacing, plot size and pressure. Meanwhile, intensity, distribution uniformity, kinetic energy, rainfall drop size and rainfall terminal velocity should be noted in its evaluation. Factoring-in the aforementioned design considerations, data collection is made easy without necessarily waiting for the natural rainfall. Since the rainfall can be controlled, the erratic and unpredictable changeability of natural rainfall is eliminated. Emanating from the findings, pressurized rainfall simulator produces rainfall characteristics similar to natural rainfall, which is therefore recommended for laboratory use if natural rainfall-like characteristics is the main target.