Analysis of Water Droplet Distribution in Wind for the Fluidic Sprinkler

Abstract

The fluidic sprinkler, a relatively new type of rotating sprinkler, has been the subject of quite a lot of research about its structural parameters, hydraulic characteristics, and water distribution profile, albeit under indoor conditions. The fluidic sprinkler’s performance in terms of water distribution profile and droplet size distribution pattern in wind has seen little investigation. To obtain information about its droplet size distribution in wind, the Thiess Clima Laser Precipitation Monitor was employed. Drop diameter, drop velocity, and the number of drops at varying distances from the fluidic sprinkler were measured in both wind and no wind at three operating pressures of 250, 300, and 350 kPa. The logistic model was adopted to fit a relationship between the drop diameter and the cumulative numeric frequency (CNF) and the cumulative volumetric frequency (CVF) values resulting in very high correlation coefficient (R2) values of above 0.99 for all conditions. At 250, 300, and 350 kPa, drops traveled 0.6, 1.0, and 1.3 m, respectively, farther in wind than in no wind along the direction of throw. Drops exhibited a spectrum of velocities and diameters at a given radial distance from the sprinkler. Up to two-thirds of the radius of throw, the proportion of drops with diameters ranging from 0.125 mm to 1.00 mm were above 80% at 300 and 350 kPa.