Hydraulic Analysis of Multidiameter Center-Pivot Sprinkler Laterals

Abstract

Analytical equations for direct hydraulic analysis of a multidiameter center-pivot lateral with and without an end gun were developed. The pressure head profile along the multidiameter center-pivot lateral is described by simple analytical functions. The analysis is based on both continuous outlet and discrete outlet approaches. Friction losses can be calculated using the Darcy–Weisbach or the Hazen–Williams formulas. The proposed equations simplify important practical applications such as the economic design and evaluation of a multidiameter center-pivot system. A comparison test with a numerical stepwise method indicates that the proposed analytical approach is sufficiently accurate for practical applications.