Technical note swinging-pulse sprinkling head for rain simulators

Abstract

Rainfall simulators are research devices that can be used for studying runoff and sediment transport on the plot scale. This technical note introduces a new solution that combines the two most commonly used methods for generating artificial rain—swinging and pulse jet systems. Reasons for developing this device are its universal use, simple construction, and reduction of water consumption, with better spatial distribution of rain and rainfall kinetic energy close to that of natural conditions. Routine operations of this device are expected for plots of 1 × 1 m, with a height 2–2.5 m. The rained surface could be extended to 2 × 2 m with lower spatial distribution. The sprinkled area in this case was limited by the drain box that also collected the remaining water. The principle of the presented single-nozzle simulator can be extended to multi-nozzle simulators for larger experimental plots.