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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12

(abstract) A Miniature, High-Sensitivity, Electron-Tunneling Accelerometer

A prototype low-noise accelerometer has been fabricated with an electron-tunneling transducer. By measuring the tunneling current between an electrode on the proof mass and a feedback-controlled monitor electrode, very small accelerations can be detected with high responsivity. This particular prototype (10x10x1.5 mm) was designed for underwater acoustic measurement from a few hertz to 1 kHz. The measured responsivity below the fundamental device resonance at 100 Hz is roughly 1500 volts per m/s(sup 2) with a measured noise spectral density of 10(sup -6) m/s(sup 2) per root hertz or less between 30 and 300 Hz. The noise floor is controlled primarily by 1/f noise in the tunneling current although the noise floor reaches the theoretical molecular-agitation limit at 100 hertz. The responsivity and directivity of the device were measured in a standard gradient-hydrophone calibrator; the noise floor was determined in a vacuum-ionization chamber assembled from commercial off-the-shelf components; and the detailed dynamics of the proof-mass motion were examined using a heterodyne laser interferometer that was scanned across the surface and synchronously detected with respect to the excitation.

accelerometer electron tunneling acoustic measurem↗

Anechoic Chambers: Aerospace Applications. (Latest Citations from the Aerospace Database)

The bibliography contains citations concerning the design, development, performance, and applications of anechoic chambers in the aerospace industry. Anechoic chamber testing equipment, techniques for evaluation of aerodynamic noise, microwave and radio antennas, and other acoustic measurement devices are considered. Shock wave studies on aircraft models and components, electromagnetic measurements, jet flow studies, and antenna radiation pattern measurements for industrial and military aerospace equipment are discussed. (Contains 50-250 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)

ANECHOIC CHAMBERS↗

Acoustic Directivity of the DGEN Aero-propulsion Research Turbofan at Multiple Farfield Array Locations

The NASA Glenn Research Center's DGEN Aero-propulsion Research Turbofan (DART) is based on the Price Induction DGEN380 a small, ~500-lbf thrust class, high-bypass, geared-turbofan engine with a separate flow nozzle. The general characteristics of the DART make it an ideal candidate for utilization as a test bed for engine aeroacoustic research in a relevant performance environment. To provide a baseline acoustic profile for the DART, the system was tested in the NASA Glenn Research Center's Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory. Acoustic measurements from multiple external arrays locations were acquired over the nominal fan operating range of 50-95%. The acoustic data are evaluated and reported in terms of overall, broadband, and tonal components. The existence of interaction tones (a result of the physics of the dual-spool interactions) are noted and presented. The symmetry of the acoustic directivity was measured in preparation for potential testing in other facilities.

Turbofan Engine↗

Anechoic Chambers: Aerospace Applications. (Latest Citations from the Aerospace Database)

The bibliography contains citations concerning the design, development, performance, and applications of anechoic chambers in the aerospace industry. Anechoic chamber testing equipment, techniques for evaluation of aerodynamic noise, microwave and radio antennas, and other acoustic measurement devices are considered. Shock wave studies on aircraft models and components, electromagnetic measurements, jet flow studies, and antenna radiation pattern measurements for industrial and military aerospace equipment are discussed. (Contains 50-250 citations and includes a subject term index and title list.)

AERODYNAMIC NOISE↗

Free-field propagation of high intensity noise

Observed spectral data from supersonic jet aircraft are known to contain much more high frequency energy than can be explained by linear acoustic propagation theory. It is believed that the high frequency energy is an effect of nonlinear distortion due to the extremely high acoustic levels generated by the jet engines. The objective, to measure acoustic waveform distortion for spherically diverging high intensity noise, was reached by using an electropneumatic acoustic source capable of generating sound pressure levels in the range of 140 to 160 decibels (re 20 micro Pa). The noise spectrum was shaped to represent the spectra generated by jet engines. Two microphones were used to capture the acoustic pressure waveform at different points along the propagation path in order to provide a direct measure of the waveform distortion as well as spectral distortion. A secondary objective was to determine that the observed distortion is an acoustic effect. To do this an existing computer prediction code that deals with nonlinear acoustic propagation was used on data representative of the measured data. The results clearly demonstrate that high intensity jet noise does shift the energy in the spectrum to the higher frequencies along the propagation path. In addition, the data from the computer model are in good agreement with the measurements, thus demonstrating that the waveform distortion can be accounted for with nonlinear acoustic theory.

Welz, Joseph P.↗

Duct wall impedance control as an advanced concept for acoustic impression

Models and tests on an acoustic duct liner system which has the property of controlled-variable acoustic impedance are described. This is achieved by a novel concept which uses the effect of steady air flow through a multi-layer, locally reacting, resonant-cavity absorber. The scope of this work was limited to a 'proof of concept.' The test of the concept was implemented by means of a small-scale, square-section flow duct facility designed specifically for acoustic measurements, with one side of the duct acoustically lined. The test liners were designed with the aid of previously established duct acoustic theory and a semi-empirical impedance model of the liner system. Over the limited range tested, the liner behaved primarily as predicted, exhibiting significant changes in resistance and reactance, thus providing the necessary concept validation.

Dean, P. D.↗

Effect of Blowing on Boundary Layer of Scarf Inlet

When aircraft operate in stationary or low speed conditions, airflow into the engine accelerates around the inlet lip and pockets of turbulence that cause noise and vibration can be ingested. This problem has been encountered with engines equipped with the scarf inlet, both in full scale and in model tests, where the noise produced during the static test makes it difficult to assess the noise reduction performance of the scarf inlet. NASA Langley researchers have implemented boundary layer control in an attempt to reduce the influence of the flow nonuniformity in a 12-in. diameter model of a high bypass fan engine mounted in an anechoic chamber. Static pressures and boundary layer profiles were measured in the inlet and far field acoustic measurements were made to assess the effectiveness of the blowing treatment. The blowing system was found to lack the authority to overcome the inlet distortions. Methods to improve the implementation of boundary layer control to reduce inlet distortion are discussed.

Gerhold, Carl H.↗

Core/Combustor-Noise Measurements and Source Separation for the DGEN Aeropropulsion Research Turbofan

Acoustic data obtained using a small turbofan engine are further analyzed with the aim to ultimately enable improved prediction methods and mitigation techniques for turbofan core/combustor noise. The relative impact of this propulsion-noise source for civilian-transport aircraft on airport community noise is expected to significantly increase in the future. Simultaneous high-data-rate acoustic measurements acquired using a circumferential infinite-tube-probe array at the core-nozzle exit in conjunction with a far-field microphone array are processed. The test matrix contains engine operational points from idle to engine-maximum setting, with measurements repeated for different circumferential array configurations, as well as for redundancy. The combustor-noise contribution to the far-field noise signature is obtained using an advanced source-separation method that correlates far-field microphone measurements with a modal decomposition of the unsteady pressure field at the core-nozzle exit. The advantages of the present approach compared to the classical two-signal source-separation method are discussed.

Aeroacoustics↗

Acoustic Ground-Impedance Meter

Helmoltz resonator used in compact, portable meter measures acoustic impedance of ground or other surfaces. Earth's surface is subject of increasing acoustical investigations because of its importance in aircraft noise prediction and measurment. Meter offers several advantages. Is compact and portable and set up at any test site, irrespective of landscape features, weather or other environmental condition.

Zuckerwar, A. J.↗

Noise measurements obtained during visual approach monitor evaluation in 747 aircraft

The results are reported of acoustic measurements made on the 747 aircraft during visual approach monitor evaluation approaches. This display is designed to improve approach and landing precision under visual flight rule conditions. The purpose of the acoustic portion of the test was to measure, evaluate, and identify the noise levels during various types of aircraft approaches. Six noise measurement sites were positioned on the centerline of the approach ground track. The six noise measurement stations on the approach ground track were positioned between approximately 1 and 6 nautical miles from runway threshold. The 1-nautical mile point was chosen as the beginning of the ground track because it is specified as the approach measurement point in the FAA noise certification requirements. The 6-nautical mile point was chosen for its proximity to the point where the approach is initiated.

Tanner, C. S.↗

Acoustic Directivity of the DGEN Aero-propulsion Research Turbofan at Multiple Farfield Array Locations

The NASA Glenn Research Center's DGEN Aero-propulsion Research Turbofan (DART) is based on the Price Induction DGEN380 - a small, ~500-lbf thrust class, high-bypass, geared-turbofan engine with a separate flow nozzle. The general characteristics of the DART make it an ideal candidate for utilization as a test bed for engine aeroacoustic research in a relevant performance environment. To provide a baseline acoustic profile for the DART, the system was tested in the NASA Glenn Research Center's Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory. Acoustic measurements from multiple external arrays locations were acquired over the nominal fan operating range of 50-95%. The acoustic data are evaluated and reported in terms of overall, broadband, and tonal components. The existence of interaction tones (a result of the physics of the dual-spool interactions) are noted and presented. The symmetry of the acoustic directivity was measured in preparation for potential testing in other facilities.

Turbofan↗

Acoustic reflection contamination measurements in the 16-foot NASA Langley Transonic Wind Tunnel

The Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) contract, awarded recently to Lockheed by the NASA-Lewis Research Center, required a comprehesive series of near field acoustic measurements. These were to use transducers mounted on the surfaces on a one-ninth scale model of the Gulfstream G-II aircraft, modified to the PTA single propfan testbed configuration. The 16-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at the NASA Langley Research Center was chosen as the facility to be used for these model acoustic tests. Since the tunnel was hard-walled, it is not clear to what extent the propfan noise signals, reaching the various transducers, might be contaminated by reflections from the walls. A Multidriver Acoustic Source was built, and using an impulse and time domain averaging technique, the reflection contaminations in the wind tunnel were measured at selected microphone locations. Results of the investigations of near field measurements exists, due to reflections from the hard walls of the wind tunnnel.

Burrin, R. H.↗

Feasibility of making sound power measurements in the NASA Langley V/STOL tunnel test section

Based on exploratory acoustic measurements in Langley's V/STOL wind tunnel, recommendations are made on the methodology for making sound power measurements of aircraft components in the closed tunnel test section. During airflow, tunnel self-noise and microphone flow-induced noise place restrictions on the amplitude and spectrum of the sound source to be measured. Models of aircraft components with high sound level sources, such as thrust engines and powered lift systems, seem likely candidates for acoustic testing.

Brooks, T. F.↗

Noise measurement in wind tunnels, workshop summary

In reviewing the progress made in acoustic measurements in wind tunnels over the 5-yr span of the workshops, it is evident that a great deal of progress has occurred. Specialized facilities are now on line, special measurement techniques were developed, and corrections were devised and proven. This capability is in the process of creating a new and more correct data bank on acoustic phenomena, and represents a major step forward in acoustics technology. Additional work is still required, but now, rather than concentrating on facilities and techniques, researchers may more profitably concentrate on noise-source modeling, with the simulation of propulsor noise source (in flight) and of propulsor/airframe airflow characteristics. Promising developments in directional acoustic receivers and other discrimination/correlation techniques should now be regularly exploited, in part for model noise-source diagnosis, but also to expedite extraction of the lone source signal from any residual background noise and reverberation in the working chamber and from parasitic noise due to essential rigs or instrumentation inside the airstream.

Hickley, D. H.↗

Aeroacoustic flowfield and acoustics of a model helicopter tail rotor at high advance ratio

Some results, relevant to rotorcraft noise generation process at high advance ratio, are presented in this paper from schlieren flow visualization and acoustic tests of a model tail rotor. The measured in-plane noise trends are consistent with the growth of the tip supersonic region seen in the schlieren visuals. Schlieren flow visuals reveal a propagating pressure wave in the second quadrant. Simultaneously measured acoustic data and the results of two-dimensional transonic Blade-Vortex Interaction analysis code ATRAN-2 indicate that this pressure wave is attributable to BVI activity in the first quadrant. This paper establishes that the transonic Blade-Vortex Interactions contribute to noise at high advance ratio level flight conditions.

Shenoy, Rajarama K.↗

On the Use of Acoustic Wind Tunnel Data for the Simulation of sUAS Flyover Noise

Acoustic measurements of a small, unmanned aerial system were recently acquired during a ground test campaign. The purposes of the ground test, conducted in the NASA Langley Low Speed Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel, were to characterize the source noise in terms of its tonal and broadband content, and to identify conditions under which multirotor and rotor-airframe interactions are present. The focus of this work is to assess the effectiveness of using those data for the simulation of flyover noise at a ground observer. The assessment is made at two levels of fidelity using different sets of tools. In the first, 1/3 octave band spectra at a ground receiver will be simulated in a frequency domain approach using the NASA Aircraft NOise Prediction Program. In the second, the pressure time history at a ground receiver is simulated in a time domain approach using the NASA Auralization Framework. Various objective measures are used to verify the simulation process. Acoustic wind tunnel and flight test data are used to gain insight into perceptually important effects.

Rizzi, Stephen A.↗

Cassini Spacecraft Acoustic Flight and Test Criteria

Acoustic measurements from eight Titan IV flights, and an acoustic test of a Cassini simulator and Titan payload fairing (PLF), were used to derive acoustic flight and test criteria for the Cassini spacecraft.

flight↗

Characterizing the Effects of Two Ground-based Outdoor Microphone Configurations

Multiple International and Federal regulations stipulate the acquisition of aircraft noise shall be conducted using inverted pressure microphones over a round ground board. These ground boards are used to provide an acoustically hard reflecting surface, limiting the effects of the potentially absorptive ground local to the test location. The microphone location is also specified to be offset from the center of the board to limit the effects of acoustic diffraction off the board edge. In order to determine the effects of the ground board on the measured acoustic signal, a comprehensive measurement campaign was undertaken at NASA Langley Research Center. The experimental setup included multiple ground board configurations placed on top of a sand pit, in an otherwise anechoic chamber. Ground board configurations included a microphone inverted and offset over the round ground board and a microphone offset and flush mounted in the ground board.White noise was then used to investigate the ground board effects on the recorded signal. Normal impedance measurements were also acquired to determine the reflection coefficients of the sand and ground boards. Experimental results are discussed, along with implications for future research and development.Results indicate that both microphone configurations perform adequately up to 10 kHz. When the ground substrate is a soft material and the sound comes in at angles near grazing incidence the sound energy is attenuated above 1 kHz. Additionally, the plastic material used to construct the ground boards was found to be acoustically hard between 0.1 –3.0 kHz, and likely extending to higher frequencies.

Mark C. Anderson↗