Aerial Spray Plume Dispersion Measured with LIDAR

by

Miller, David R., A. L. Hiscox, C. J. Nappo

Contact: David Miller.  email:  David.R.Miller@uconn.edu

Summary:

A field study of aerial spray movement and dispersion was conducted at the New Mexico State University spray study site on the USDA Jornada Desert research ranch in April 2005.  The purpose of the study was to measure the plume movement dynamics and deposition of fine droplet applications during calm, stable conditions.   Spray plume movement and dispersion was measured and recorded with a portable elastic-backscatter lidar.  Supporting meteorology, air turbulence and micro-movements were made simultaneously with sonic anemometers.  The amount of spray material remaining in the air decreased rapidly for the first minute, and thereafter remained constant and drifted as a definable plume with the slight air drainage currents.  The paper presents LIDAR generated graphics demonstrating the plume movement and dispersion.

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