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Relationships Between Waterdrop Properties and Forces of Impact¹

ABSTRACT

Waterdrop impact forces cause detachment of particles from soil surfaces and are an important component of soil erosion. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of waterdrop properties on waterdrop impact forces. Forces of impact were measured with a piezoelectric transducer for 3.31-, 3.83-, and 4.51-mm-diam drops falling from heights of 0.5, 1.4, 3.3, 6.4, and 14.0 m. Mean peak force of impact was determined to be a function of both drop kinetic energy and momentum for individual drop heights, but the relationship varied with height. Mean peak force was proportional to the diameter squared times velocity cubed for all drop sizes and fall heights. Also, the peak forces were related to drop oscillation during fall. A nondimensional representation of impact force vs. time duration of impact was determined.

¹ Contribution from the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Res. Lab. in cooperation with the Purdue Agric. Exp. Stn. Journal no. 10713.

² Agricultural Engineer and Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Res. Lab., Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Received for publication May 16, 1986.