Author(s): Tracy B. Vermeyen; Kevin A. Oberg; P. Ryan Jackson
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Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Recently, an acoustic current meter known as the OTT*acoustic digital current meter (ADC) was introduced as an alternative instrument for streamgaging measurements. The Bureau of Reclamation and the U. S. Geological Survey collaborated on a sideby-side evaluation of the ADC and a Son Tek/YSI acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). Measurements were carried out in a laboratory flume to evaluate the performance characteristics of the ADC under a range of flow and boundary conditions. The flume contained a physical model of a mountain river with a diversion dam and variety of bed materials ranging from smooth mortar to a cobble bed. The instruments were installed on a trolley system that allowed them to be easily moved within the flume while maintaining a consistent probe orientation. More than 50 comparison measurements were made in an effort to verify the manufacturer's performance specifications and to evaluate potential boundary disturbance for near-bed and vertical boundary measurements. Data and results from this evaluation are presented and discussed.
Year: 2009