Dimensional analysis approach to estimate local head losses in microirrigation connectors

Local losses, which affect the uniformity of water application, are often ignored in the design of irrigation systems. Some accessories have no simple, efficient equations to estimate these losses. The main objective of this work was to develop an equation to estimate the local head loss in lateral passage connectors. Fifteen connector/pipe combinations were tested. The connectors were characterized by their internal diameters and dimensions. The local head loss was determined by subtracting the head loss on the connector and pipe from the head loss on the pipe. The parameters affecting the local head loss were defined as dimensionless terms using Buckingham’s theorem. A mathematical model was developed that presented a determination coefficient of 93.31 %. Elements such as the inner diameter of the connector, pipe length, connector, water flow velocity, Reynolds number and Froude number influenced the local head loss in the connectors. The model was compared with the observed data and presented excellent performance. It can be used to calculate the local head loss in lateral passage connectors.