DESIGN AND CALIBRATION OF A TRANSFORMER CONTROLLED VARIABLE RAINFALL SIMULATOR

IN Obeta

doi:10.4314/njt.323.711

DESIGN AND CALIBRATION OF A TRANSFORMER CONTROLLED VARIABLE RAINFALL SIMULATOR

Authors

IN Obeta DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA, NIGERIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.323.711

Keywords:

Variable Rainfall simulator, Variable voltage transformer, Rainfall intensity

Abstract

A new approach for the design and construction of a variable rainfall simulator using an auto transformer which is aimed at soil erosion research was explored. The method involves using a water pump, a variable voltage regulator and a set of nozzles for the simulation of rainfall. It was found that the variation of rainfall intensity, kinetic energy and terminal velocities followed established trends such that terminal velocity and drop kinetic energy increased as rainfall intensity increased. A comparison between predicted and observed rainfall intensity for the catchment area over a period of four years showed that 57%, 45%, 61% and 57% of the natural rainfall intensity was achieved over the consecutive years. This method is therefore considered efficient and cost effective for developing countries or locations that have similar rainfall pattern.

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Issue

Vol. 32 No. 3 (2013)

Section

Research papers of General Interest

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How to Cite

DESIGN AND CALIBRATION OF A TRANSFORMER CONTROLLED VARIABLE RAINFALL SIMULATOR. (2013). Nigerian Journal of Technology, 32(3), 567-571. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.323.711