Framework for Estimating Uncertainty of ADCP Measurements from a Moving Boat by Standardized Uncertainty Analysis
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 12
Abstract
In spite of the extensive use of acoustic-Doppler current profilers (ADCP) for measurement of velocity and discharge in open-channel and riverine environments, a rigorous methodology for estimating ADCP discharge measurement uncertainty that follows current engineering standards for uncertainty analysis is not yet available. In this paper, we apply the broadly accepted engineering standard for uncertainty analysis put forth by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1995 (AIAA) to develop a framework for the estimation of uncertainty in ADCP measurements from a moving boat. First, we summarize the terminology and methodology of measurement uncertainty analysis and review the data reduction equations used by ADCPs to estimate the total discharge in measurements from a moving boat. Second, we discuss briefly the various elemental error sources that contribute to the uncertainties of the ADCP measured variables, which in turn contribute to the total uncertainty of ADCP discharge measurements. In discussing the elemental errors, we look into what determines their uncertainties and whether they can be evaluated using available information. We then apply the guidelines of the AIAA standard to develop an analytical framework for propagating the uncertainties from the elemental sources to obtain the total uncertainty of ADCP discharge measurements from a moving boat.
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Acknowledgments
This work is the result of cooperative efforts by the South Florida Water Management District and the IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering, The University of Iowa led by the writers. Special thanks are due to Dr. Kwonkyu Yu and Dongsu Kim, former and current students at the University of Iowa for their involvement in earlier versions of the ADCP uncertainty framework, and to Rodrigo Musalem from the South Florida Water Management District for assisting in preparing Appendix I. The first writer gratefully acknowledges Robb Startzman and Matahel Ansar from the SFWMD’s Scada and Hydro Data Management Department for their encouragement and support to work on ADCP measurement uncertainty. He also thanks his former colleagues at the USGS Illinois District for introducing him into hydroacoustics and its applications. The technical support by RDI, particularly that provided by Dr. Peter Spain in answering questions on instrument specifications, is gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 12 • December 2007
Pages: 1390 - 1410
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 22, 2006
Accepted: Jun 21, 2007
Published online: Dec 1, 2007
Published in print: Dec 2007
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