Dill Creek Project:

The Dill Creek Project was designed to measure the amount of current flow through the stream. Also, waveforms (harmonic spectrums) were collected along with a plot of the peak to peak voltage and compared to other locations in the surrounding area. Both frequency and voltage were monitored using a scopemeter and a notebook computer.

To collect the necessary data 4 shunt lines were placed in the stream approximately 20 feet apart. The shunt lines consisted of a wire mesh material 3 feet wide and 8 feet long. First, the potential difference between the 2nd and 3rd shunt lines was recorded without adding any applied voltage. Next, a voltage (12 Volt car battery) was applied between the 1st and 4th shunt lines respectively. With the voltage source applied, both the voltage and current through the circuit were measure...the following measurements and calculations were made:

No applied voltage
V(2 -> 3) = 21mV (rms) -> using a DMM
V(2 -> 3) = 32mV (rms)

Voltage applied
V(g) = V(1 -> 4) = 12.34 V

I(1 -> 4) = 0.26 A

Calculations
R(per foot) = 0.79 Ohms/Ft.
R(2 -> 3) = 15.8 Ohms
R(1 -> 4) = 47.46 Ohms

I(flow) = 2 mA