A Computer Model to Predict the Droplet Size Traveling Distance in Nowind and Windy Conditions for Different Nozzle Shapes

Abstract

A finite difference numerical model was developed to determine the mean droplet size diameter at any distance from a sprinkler as a function of nozzle shape, size and pressure. Droplet size data from square, rectangle, triangle and circle nozzle orifice shapes verified the model. Data for model prediction were generated throughout lab experiments. Nozzle pressure and shape had a major influence on droplet size. Higher pressure promoted smaller droplets over the entire application profile. Noncircular nozzles had a large droplet size at the same distance from sprinkler but circular nozzle had the largest droplet size near the perimeter.