Abstract
An existing Purdue-type rainfall simulator (RFS) was designed to be transported using a commercial flatbed trailer that was modified by cutting out a section of the wooden bed allowing the RFS to be positioned directly above the target area to measure soil erosion and water runoff. To allow water to pass through the trailer undisturbed, the axle of the trailer was removed and replaced with axle-free wheel hubs and springs. Additionally, a remote control mover rated for 2000 kg was incorporated in our design. The final result was a portable and mobile RFS that can be moved to fields using a trailer hitch and can be operated by two individuals. The cost of the hardware, not including the RFS, is $5300 (USD) and detailed design plans are available.
Highlights
Rainfall simulators (RFS) are tools that are used to apply water to plots as a means to simulate and observe the effects of natural rain events, e.g., [1] [2]
An existing Purdue-type rainfall simulator (RFS) was designed to be transported using a commercial flatbed trailer that was modified by cutting out a section of the wooden bed allowing the RFS to be positioned directly above the target area to measure soil erosion and water runoff
We describe a Purdue-type rainfall simulator that was adapted to be mounted on a flatbed trailer above an opening on the bed of the trailer, allowing the rainfall simulator to be lowered and placed directly and in contact with the target area for measurements of soil erosion and water runoff
Summary
Rainfall simulators (RFS) are tools that are used to apply water to plots as a means to simulate and observe the effects of natural rain events, e.g., [1] [2]. Natural rainstorms have intensities resulting from variable drop-size distribution and kinetic energy [3] [4]. During high intensity periods, raindrops can become larger with greater fall velocities resulting in higher kinetic energy for the storm. These two rainfall properties—variable intensity and drop-size distribution characteristics—need to be duplicated by a RFS to accurately quantify the effects of rain in soil erosion and other hydrological processes, such as infiltration, runoff, sediment and nutrient transport, among others.
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