SEDL / STP / STP1183-EB / STP25139S

Measurement of Spray Distribution Uniformity for Agricultural Nozzles Using Spectral Analysis

Wang, L
Graduate research assistant, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Zhang, N
Graduate research assistant, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Slocombe, JW
Graduate research assistant, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Kuhlman, DK
Graduate research assistant, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

A laboratory sampling procedure was developed to measure spray distribution uniformity of nozzles used for agricultural chemical applications. A fast Fourier transformation (FFT) algorithm was used to obtain Fourier spectra of spray pattern profiles. A model of the degree of nonuniformity (DNU) was established based on the spectral analysis. The DNU model used a concept of weighted alternating-current components (WAC) to describe the variations of the profiles. Laboratory data were used to compare the DNU model with the traditionally used coefficient of variation (CV) model in detecting profile fluctuation patterns and in determining the nonuniformity. It was found that the DNU model could provide quantitative judgements in cases where the CV model was unable to detect differences in spray distribution uniformity.