Discharge Coefficients for Center-Pivot Sprinkler Nozzles Under Laboratory Conditions

369 nozzles from three manufacturers (Senninger, Nelson, Fabrimar) were tested to determine discharge coefficients (Cd) under laboratory conditions. The study by Renato M. da Silva measured flow rates across operating pressures from 6 to 30 psi, with 13 pressure measurements per nozzle. Results showed discharge coefficients varied with nozzle diameter and pressure, ranging from 0.88 to 0.98.

Use Cases

• Modeling water application uniformity for center-pivot systems based on nozzle discharge coefficient curves.
• Calibrating irrigation simulation software using empirical nozzle performance data across pressure ranges.
• Comparing hydraulic performance of sprinkler nozzles from different manufacturers (Senninger, Nelson, Fabrimar).
• Optimizing irrigation system pressure settings to achieve target flow rates based on nozzle-specific coefficients.

Strengths

• Includes 369 tested nozzles from three major manufacturers, providing a substantial sample size.
• Measurements were taken at 13 distinct pressure points between 6 and 30 psi for each nozzle, offering detailed pressure-response data.
• Used calibrated precision instruments, including two pressure gauges and three electromagnetic induction flow gauges, suggesting controlled experimental conditions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Renato M. da Silva via paperswithcode

Collection Method

Laboratory experiments measuring nozzle discharge under controlled pressure conditions.

Geography

Likely Brazil, as nozzles are described as used in Brazilian equipment and a Brazilian location (São Paulo) is mentioned for measurement equipment.