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At least 343 records · Page 19

TEAMER - Acoustic Particle Velocity Measurements - CRADA 601 (Abstract)

With relatively few deployments of tidal turbines, the extent and effect of underwater sounds generated from these turbines is not well understood. The University of Washington (UW) is deploying a cross-flow turbine system, the Turbine Lander, in the entrance channel to Sequim Bay. The deployment of this system provides an opportunity to understand the noise radiated by the turbine and its sources. There are three hypothesized sound sources associated with operation of the turbine: 1) a continuous tone associated with energized power electronics; 2) sound associated with the generator when the turbine is rotating; and 3) sound associated with the bearing pack that supports the rotor. PNNL is collaborating with UW and Integral Consulting Inc. (Integral) to simultaneously measure sound sources using three different devices. The NoiseSpotter®, an acoustic sensor system designed by Integral, measures acoustic pressure and a three-dimensional particle velocity vector. The NoiseSpotter, along with a commercial-off-the-shelf acoustic particle motion and pressure sensor (M20-105, Geospectrum Technologies Inc.) owned by PNNL will be deployed on the seabed approximately 50-100 m from the Turbine Lander. UW will concurrently deploy Drifting Acoustic Instrumentation SYstems (DAISYs) to characterize acoustic pressure near the Turbine Lander and localize sounds using a Time Delay of Arrival (TDOA) algorithm. Integral, UW, and PNNL will collaborate on data analysis and interpretation, with the intention of jointly authoring an archival paper on the results. The noise generated from the Turbine Lander is not expected to be significant, yet this experiment will help to evaluate the efficacy of combining technologies to characterize noise and provide insights for approaches to consider for future turbine deployments at other locations.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Journey to Time-Variable Moment Tensors through Inversion of Acoustic and Seismoacoustic Data

We explore the capability of acoustic and seismoacoustic datasets to directly resolve a complex, time-variable source consisting of a buried mechanism, represented as a moment tensor, and a spall mechanism, represented as a vertical force at the surface. Traditionally, each component of a resolved moment tensor assumes one underlying source time function, which likely fails to capture the full evolution of a dynamic source, such as an explosion followed by slip on near-source joints or development of spallation. Specifically, we expand previous work to resolve a time-variable moment tensor using single-modality and joint-modality inversion frameworks through analysis of infrasound and seismoacoustic data recorded as part of the Source Physics Experiment Phase II: Dry Alluvium Geology (DAG). We investigate the impact of including signals from seismic-to-air coupling that are local to each infrasound sensor in comparison to mainly atmosphere-propagating acoustic signals, which occur from coupling of the wavefield from the subsurface to the atmosphere directly above the source. Additionally, we assess the ability of our inversion algorithm to fit observed infrasound data using a variety of time-variable source mechanisms. First, we consider the buried moment tensor source alone, which assumes that the determined Green’s functions incorporate effects from spallation or that the impact from spallation is minimal. Second, we examine the estimated buried moment tensor and vertical surface spallation as terms that must both be resolved in the inversion. Third, we assess the ability for an estimated vertical surface spallation source to fit the acoustic data on its own. Finally, we compare results from the joint inversion of both seismic geophone and infrasound acoustic data for the buried-only source compared to buried and spallation sources. Our results are a preliminary investigation into the applications of the inversion technique to recorded datasets and show the technique has limited capabilities using acoustic data alone. Instead, this method shows promise for seismic and seismoacoustic datasets to resolve the time-variable mechanisms of a buried source.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Advancing Tunnel Detection Via Vertical Acoustic Profiling

This study demonstrates that placing an acoustic source at depth significantly enhances the detection of tunnels. By adapting the methodology of vertical seismic profiling to acoustic-range frequencies, we introduce a novel approach for tunnel detection. To our knowledge, this report documents the first application of this technique. The field study was conducted on a cleared site at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory; the subsurface was clay. A series of vertical shafts were bored immediately before and after the placement of a 40 ft long, 3 ft diameter steel pipe located 10 ft below the surface. Acoustic signatures were produced at various depths up to 30 ft and an array of surface geophones was used to collect the resulting signals. The innovation lies in using subsurface acoustic signatures to better enable the collection of wide-angle diffracted waves by surface geophones. These diffracted waves appear as subharmonic frequencies of the source signal and are recorded by a surface geophone array. While the concept draws from vertical seismic profiling used in oil and gas exploration, a key distinguishing feature is the use of acoustic frequencies, which are necessary for detecting small subsurface features. The findings have important implications. Critical information pertaining to diffracted source signals are not measured by current state-of-the-art methods. Although this study confirms enhanced detectability, accurate localization and imaging will require additional research. Future work should focus on leveraging diffracted-wave strength and time delays to enable full imaging and characterization.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Design and implementation of a real-time underwater acoustic telemetry system for fish behavior study and environmental sensing

Underwater acoustic telemetry is an important tool for studying the behavior of aquatic animals and assessing the environmental impact of man-made structures such as water power turbines. However, current design of the acoustic telemetry system lacks the ability to transmit collected data continuously in real-time and requires manual retrieval of the recorded measurements, leading to a long delay of data retrieval, high operational cost associated with manpower as well as safety risk for the operators. In addition, there is no efficient way to monitor the status of the acoustic telemetry system, including acoustic transmitters and receivers. For example, if multiple receivers in an array fail, the detection efficiency could be significantly reduced. Herein, we developed a cloud-based, real-time underwater acoustic telemetry system that can be used to estimate behavior or survival of tagged aquatic animals and monitor environmental parameters in near-real-time (< 2 hours). The system incorporates microcontrollers and integrated circuits to create real-time data communication and processing units with a cloud-based service that processes the transmitted data stream to derive behavior and survival information of the tagged animals.

Yang, Yang↗

Acoustic response comparison for a spacecraft tested with and without a shroud

For the purpose of evaluating the simulation problems encountered in an acoustic environment laboratory, a research test program using the launch phase simulator was initiated. The Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (OGO) structural model and the Nimbus-type shroud were used as test items. Compared are the acoustic vibratory response of the OGO model when enclosed within a shroud with the OGO acoustical response with the shroud removed, while subjected to an equivalent acoustic environment. The results indicate that a shroud is necessary in order to perform a realistic acoustic test.

Bruck, L. R.↗

Acoustic characteristics of large-scale STOL model at forward speed

Wind-tunnel investigations of the acoustic characteristics of the externally blown jet flap (EBF) and augmentor wing STOL concepts are dicussed. The large-scale EBF model was equipped with a triple-slotted blown by four JT15D turbofan engines with circular, coannular exhaust nozzles. The large-scale augmentor wing model was equipped with an unlined augmentor blown by a slot primary nozzle. The effects of airspeed and angle of attack on the acoustics of the EBF were small. At a forward speed of 60 knots, the impingement noise of the landing flap was approximately 2 db lower than in the static tests. Angle of attack increased the impingement noise approximately 0.1 decibels per degree. Flap deflection had a greater effect on the acoustics of the augmentor wing than did airspeed. For a nozzle pressure ratio of 1.9, the peak perceived noise level of the landing flap was 3 to 5 PNdb higher than that of the takeoff flap. The total sound power was also significantly higher for landing indicating that turning in the augmentor generated acoustic energy. Airspeed produced a small aft shift in acoustic directivity with no significant change in the peak perceived noise levels or sound power levels.

Falarski, M. D.↗

Acoustic fatigue and sound transmission characteristics of a ram composite panel design

An experimental study to determine the acoustic fatigue characteristics of a flat multi-layered structural panel is described. The test panel represented a proposed design for the outer skin of a research application module to be housed within the space shuttle orbiter vehicle. The test specimen was mounted in one wall of the Wyle 100,000 cu ft reverberation room and exposed to a broadband acoustic environment having an overall level of 145 db. The test panel was exposed to nine separate applications of the acoustic environment, each application consisting of 250 seconds duration. Upon completion of the ninth test run, the specimen was exposed to a simulated micrometeoroid impact near the panel center. One additional test run of 250 seconds duration was then performed to complete the overall simulation of 50 flight missions. The experimental results show that no significant fatigue damage occurred until the test specimen was exposed to a simulated micrometeoroid impact. The intermediate foam layer forming the core of the test specimen suffered considerable damage due to this impact, causing a marked variation in the dynamic characteristics of the overall test panel. During the final application of the acoustic environment, the strain and acceleration response spectra showed considerable variation from those spectra obtained prior to impact of the panel. Fatigue damage from acoustic loading however, was limited to partial de-bonding around the edges of the composite panel.

Cockburn, J. A.↗

Acoustic radar investigations of boundary layer phenomena

A comparison is made between acoustic radar echoes and conventional meteorological data obtained from the WKY tower, for the purpose of better understanding the relationships between acoustic radar echoes and boundary layer processes. Two thunderstorm outflow cases are presented and compared to both acoustic radar data and Charba's gust front model. The acoustic radar echoes reveal the boundary between warm and cold air and other areas of mixing and strong thermal gradient quite well. The thunderstorm outflow of 27 June 1972 is found to compare with in most respects to Charba's gust front model. The major difference is the complete separation of the head from the main body of cold air, probably caused by erosion of the area behind the head by mixing with the ambient air. Two cases of nocturnal inversions caused by advection of warmer air aloft are presented. It is found that areas of turbulent mixing or strong thermal gradient can be identified quite easily in the acoustic radar record.

Marks, J. R.↗

Acoustic-gravity waves in the upper atmosphere

In this paper we review the theory of acoustic-gravity waves, the interaction of such waves with the ionosphere, the experimental support for the existence of such waves in the upper atmosphere, and the role played by acoustic-gravity waves in thermospheric dynamics. After a thorough discussion on the properties of acoustic-gravity waves in an ideal isothermal atmosphere, the effects produced by horizontal winds, sharp boundary discontinuities, and dissipative processes are discussed. The generation of these waves by stationary or moving sources is then treated. It is shown that the atmospheric response to a stationary impulse source can be described by the emission of three waves: acoustic, buoyancy, and gravity. These discussions are then followed by reviewing propagation effects in a realistic atmosphere for both free waves and guided waves. Recent numerical results are given. When acoustic-gravity waves propagate through the ionosphere, interaction between the wave and the ionosphere will take place. The physical processes involved in such an interaction are examined.

Yeh, K. C.↗

Space shuttle maneuvering engine reusable thrust chamber program. Task 11: Stability analyses and acoustic model testing data dump

The combustion stability characteristics of engines applicable to the Space Shuttle Orbit Maneuvering System and the adequacy of acoustic cavities as a means of assuring stability in these engines were investigated. The study comprised full-scale stability rating tests, bench-scale acoustic model tests and analysis. Two series of stability rating tests were made. Acoustic model tests were made to determine the resonance characteristics and effects of acoustic cavities. Analytical studies were done to aid design of the cavity configurations to be tested and, also, to aid evaluation of the effectiveness of acoustic cavities from available test results.

Oberg, C. L.↗

A description and some measured acoustic characteristics of the Langley 220 cubic meter reverberation chamber

An initial acoustic calibration was performed for the NASA Langley Research Center reverberation chamber located on the aircraft Noise Reduction Laboratory. The physical characteristics of the chamber and measured data for the ambient acoustic levels, reverberation times, reflection coefficients, the spatial uniformity of acoustic energy as measured in the 1/3-octave bands from 40 Hz to 10 KHz and acoustic power levels of a standard source are described. Measured power levels compared very well with those published for the ILG standard source. The measured data indicate that for broadband noise fields, the reverberation room has acceptable acoustic performance in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 8 KHz.

Mueller, A. W.↗

Attenuation of sound in ducts with acoustic treatment: A generalized approximate equation

A generalized approximate equation for duct lining sound attenuation is presented. The specification of two parameters, the maximum possible attenuation and the optimum wall acoustic impedance is shown to completely determine the sound attenuation for any acoustic mode at any selected wall impedance. The equation is based on the nearly circular shape of the constant attenuation contours in the wall acoustic impedance plane. For impedances far from the optimum, the equation reduces to Morse's approximate expression. The equation can be used for initial acoustic liner design. Not least important is the illustrative nature of the solutions which provide an understanding of the duct propagation problem usually obscured in the exact calculations. Sample calculations using the approximate attenuation equation show that the peak and the bandwidth of the sound attenuation spectrum can be represented by quite simple functions of the ratio of actual wall acoustic resistance to optimum resistance.

Rice, E. J.↗

Comparison of acoustic and strain gauge techniques for crack closure measurements

A quantitative study on the systems performances of the COD gauge and the acoustic transmission techniques to elastic deformation of part-through crack and compact tension specimens has been conducted. It is shown that the two instruments measure two completely different quantities: The COD gauge yields information on the length change of the specimen whereas the acoustic technique is sensitive directly to the amount of contract area between two surfaces, interfering with the acoustic signal. In another series of experiments, compression tests on parts with specifically prepared surfaces were performed so that the surface contact area could be correlated with the transmitted acoustic signal, as well as the acoustic with the COD gauge signal. A linear relation between contact area and COD gauge signal was obtained until full contact had been established.

Buck, O.↗

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.↗

Attenuation of sound in ducts with acoustic treatment - A generalized approximate equation

A generalized approximate equation for duct lining sound attenuation is presented. The specification of two parameters, the maximum possible attenuation and the optimum wall acoustic impedance is shown to completely determine the sound attenuation for any acoustic mode at any selected wall impedance. The equation is based on the nearly circular shape of the constant attenuation contours in the wall acoustic impedance plane. For impedances far from the optimum, the equation reduces to Morse's approximate expression. The equation can be used for initial acoustic liner design. Not least important is the illustrative nature of the solutions which provide an understanding of the duct propagation problem usually obscured in the exact calculations. Sample calculations using the approximate attenuation equation show that the peak and the bandwidth of the sound attenuation spectrum can be represented by quite simple functions of the ratio of actual wall acoustic resistance to optimum resistance.

Rice, E. J.↗

Acoustic noise from volcanoes - Theory and experiment

The paper discusses some theoretical aspects of acoustic investigation of volcanoes and describes a field experiment involving the recording, analysis, and interpretation of acoustic radiation from energetic fumaroles at Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala, during mid-January 1973. Particular attention is given to deriving information about the flow velocity of the erupting medium from acoustics as a means to study eruption dynamics. Theoretical considerations suggest that acoustic power radiated during gaseous volcanic eruptions may be related to gas exit velocity according to appropriate power laws. Eruption acoustics proves useful as a means of quantitative monitoring of volcanic activity.

Woulff, G.↗

Inlet total pressure loss due to acoustic wall treatment

The effect of diffuser wall acoustic treatment on inlet total pressure loss was experimentally determined. Data were obtained by testing an inlet model with 10 different acoustically treated diffusers differing only in the design of the Helmholtz resonator acoustic treatment. Tests were conducted in a wind tunnel at forward velocities to 41 meters per second for inlet throat Mach numbers of .5 to .8 and angles of attack as high as 50 degrees. Results indicate a pressure loss penalty due to acoustic treatment that increases linearly with the porosity of the acoustic facing sheet. For a surface porosity of 14 percent the total pressure loss was 21 percent greater than that for an untreated inlet.

Miller, B. A.↗

Single stage, low noise, advanced technology fan. Volume 5: Fan acoustics. Section 2: One-third octave data tabulations and selected narrowband traces

The raw-acoustic data corrected to standard day, from acoustic tests performed on a 0.508-scale fan vehicle of a 111,300 newton thrust, full-size engine, which has application on an advanced transport aircraft, are presented. The single-stage advanced technology fan was designed to a pressure ratio of 1.8 at a tip speed of 503 m/sec to achieve the desired pressure ratio in a single-stage fan with low radius ratio, and to maintain adequate stall margin. The two basic approaches taken in the acoustic design were: (1) minimization of noise at the source, and (2) suppression of the generated noise in the inlet and bypass exhaust duct. Suppression of the generated noise was accomplished in the inlet through use of the hybrid concept (wall acoustic treatment plus airflow acceleration suppression) and in the exhaust duct with extensive acoustic treatment including a splitter. The goal of the design was attainment of twenty effective perceived noise decibels. The suppression goal of FAR 36-20 was not reached, but improvements in the technology of both front and aft fan-noise suppression were realized.

Jutras, R. R.↗