Measurement accuracy analysis of sprinkler irrigation rainfall in relation to collector shape

Sprinkler irrigation is a widely studied subject in scientific and technical literature. Initially studies were mainly conducted experimentally, whereas more recently we can say that the use of simulation models is the rule. To calibrate such models, experimental data of high precision are required to prevent possible errors in simulations. In sprinkler irrigation evaluation the collectors play a central role and should be designed to minimize the perturbation of water application it is measuring. Using the fluid dynamics software program Fluent, several designs of collectors have been analyzed to assess their capabilities for precise water collection under a horizontal wind. The analysis was performed in two steps: (1) evaluation of airflow perturbation due to collector and (2) calculation of collection rate for different droplet diameters and wind velocity on two selected collectors (one minimizing airflow perturbations, one easy to manufacture). The collector design producing the best results was used to create a mold for manufacturing collectors out of injected plastic material.