Parametric Sensitivity in Aerial Application

This article summarizes a sensitivity study of all input variables into the FSCBG aerial application computer model, including the near-wake AGDISP representation, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, and drop size distribution. A linear analysis is performed around a nominal, or base case, parameter set. Trends in the results may be explained, for the most part, on a physical basis; however, the value of the present analysis is its quantification of the relative sensitivity of the results to known input variable changes. The importance of these variations are catalogued relative to effectiveness of swath width deposition and level of off-target drift. These results quantify several critical variables regarding aerial application, specifically those variables that must be carefully controlled or monitored during spray operations. In order of importance they include: release height, spraying speed, wind direction, and wind speed.