THE AKRON USDA-AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE PORTABLE BOOM-MOUNTED RAINFALL SIMULATOR
ABSTRACT A rainfall simulator was constructed with improved portability, water storage and ease in changing nozzles. The rainfall simulator is comprised of water tanks and a rotating turret and boom attached at the rear of a flat-bed trailer. The boom is rotated to one side of the trailer for applying water to plots and positioned over the trailer and tanks for road transport. Interchangeable frames that hold the nozzles are suspended from the end of the boom. Typical set up time is 5 min. The simulator can apply water at rates up to 100 mm/hr (4 in./h) on an area of 40 m^ (430 ft2) for at least 90 min before refilling is needed.