Optimized Design of Sprinkler Spacing for Center Pivots with Low Pressure Sprinklers

摘要

One of the important objectives of center pivot hydraulic design is to determine a proper sprinkler spacing affecting water distribution uniformity and initial cost of equipment. Mathematical modes and computer software for calculating uniformity coefficient were developed in this paper. Via this computer program, measured typical single sprinkler with triangular and donut-shaped distribution patterns were used in an overlapping sequence with low pressure sprinkler spacings to simulate multiple sprinkler distribution patterns for center pivot systems. In order to meet a desired uniformity coefficient, the allowable range of sprinkler spacing for triangular pattern is greater than for donut-shaped pattern. Simulated uniformity coefficient compared well with field measured uniformity coefficient at a given spacing.