Optimizing Hydraulic Performance in Sprinkler Irrigation Systems: A Computational Approach Using ANSYS-CFD

Sprinkler irrigation plays an important role in distributing water effectively for agricultural fields with the aid of a network of pipes and outlets efficiently. The study focuses on addressing the hydraulic behavior of the flow for sprinkler systems without nozzles using Ansys-CFD. The primary objectives include examining the flow distribution in the laterals of the sprinkler system, studying the relationship between pipe diameter and flow velocity, and determining the pipe size for uniform flow. By analyzing the flow patterns and pressure variations the study aims to improve the efficiency of water application. This study examines flow distribution in the laterals of the sprinkler system through numerical simulation. The methodology involves conducting numerical simulations using Ansys fluent. A 3D model was analyzed for flow pattern and pressure variation in the pipe network in sprinkler irrigation system. The present study emphasizes the relationship between the diameter of the pipe and the velocity of the flow. As a consequence of this, the requirement of selecting a suitable pipe diameter to ensure uniform flow can be achieved. Analytical estimations were used to compare the accuracy of the numerical simulation, revealing a good agreement between them with an error margin of 5%. These results contribute valuable insights into the design and functionality of sprinkler systems, particularly in optimizing flow uniformity and water conservation.