The use of rain simulators is fundamental to study rainfall erosion. They are used to monitor the experimental conditions, particularly the rain characteristics and to understand the soil erosion process better. Several types of rainfall simulators have been developed since 1930 around the world. Currently, the Swanson model is the most commonly used. However, a small number of these simulators is fully operational in Brazil, due to the high degree of wear and difficulties of maintenance. The purpose of this study was to develop a new rainfall simulator model, made mostly of aluminum, with no motor to rotate the booms and driven by hydraulic thrust. This "water thrust" rainfall simulator maintains the general features of the Swanson model, mainly those related to the characteristics of the rainfall produced, but with less weight, making the gasoline engine to move the booms superfluous. These properties make this new model lighter, economical, quiet and easier to move about in the experimental area than the model Swanson, since it can be dislocated by only four persons. The rainfall intensity was linearly and positively correlated with the water pressure of the manometer.
water erosion; simulated rain; water energy
