Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “sonic boom propagation”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulations of X-59 Sonic Thumps and Traditional Sonic Booms Propagated Around the World for Three Atmospheric Models

Propagation simulations of sonic booms from supersonic aircraft through atmospheric data over time at fixed locations provides the opportunity to assess noise exposure statistics for different climate regions. Knowledge of climate-based differences in sonic boom noise exposure statistics is important to ensure that future civil supersonic aircraft noise certification standards are globally applicable and effective. In this presentation, simulated sonic booms from the NASA X-59 Quesst quiet supersonic aircraft and conventional supersonic aircraft were propagated through atmospheric data at 100 locations across the world using PCBoom. Noise exposure statistics are compared for propagation results from three different atmospheric databases (NOAA Global Forecast System, NOAA Climate Forecast System Version 2, and the ECMWF Reanalysis Version 5). These atmospheric models were chosen due to their global coverage, popularity, and database availability. Preliminary statistical models are fit to assess the impact of several factors including flight direction, season, ground elevation, and climate on noise exposure size and loudness. Areas with prevalence of higher noise due to their climate are identified, which could help inform future supersonic aircraft noise standards.

X-59↗
NASA NTRS1987

Calculating Sonic-Boom Propagation

Nonlinear effects included, enabling more-realistic modeling. Modified Method of Characteristics Sonic Boom Extrapolation Program (MMOC) is computer program for sonic-boom propagation that includes shock coalescence and incorporates effects of asymmetries due to volume and lift. Numerically integrates nonlinear governing equations using data on initial data line approximately one body length from aircraft and yields sonic-boom pressure at ground as function of time or of position at given time. MMOC written in FORTRAN IV.

Darden, C. M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Sonic Boom Propagation Model Based on a Single-Ray Jacobian

A sonic boom is a nonlinear event whose propagation can be modeled involving two stages. The first stage consists of ray path calculations using linear approximations, while the second stage deals with a nonlinear transport of the acoustic energy along these paths. This presentation discusses a second-order finite difference numerical approach used to predict the ray paths in range-dependent atmospheres and compares it to existing finite difference schemes. The approach is validated using exact solutions obtained for stratified atmospheres. In the second stage, the geometrical spreading effect needed in determining sonic boom waveforms from a Burgers' equation is obtained using a method that only needs a single ray rather than four rays required by most existing sonic boom propagation codes. The single-ray method calculates the Jacobian, associated with the coordinate transformation from a suitable ray coordinate system to the Cartesian coordinate system, directly from the ray tracing equations. While the four-ray method approximates the geometrical spreading using a finite difference scheme involving the four rays, the single-ray method does not rely on this approximation and instead depends purely on the acoustical kinematic properties of the atmosphere. Comparisons of results using these two methods are discussed.

sonic boom↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Split-Step Simulations of Sonic Boom Propagation Beyond the Lateral Cutoff in a Turbulent Atmosphere

Recent flight tests during the Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 (QSF18) study reported sonic booms heard outside of the primary carpet region. In the absence of turbulence, the lateral cutoff region separates the primary sonic boom carpet from the shadow zone, where the sonic boom signal experiences significant attenuation. However, when turbulence is present in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), additional scattering of the sonic boom to the shadow zone region occurs. A method is presented for simulating sonic boom propagation in a turbulent atmospheric boundary layer beyond the lateral cutoff region into the shadow zone. A split-step method is used to integrate a partially one-way equation for the acoustic pressure. Inhomogeneous turbulence, representative of the ABL, is generated in the computational domain with a Fourier synthesis approach. Distributions of several loudness metrics in the shadow zone region for a sonic boom N-wave and a shaped boom are examined. Increasing both turbulence root-mean-square velocity and integral length scale are found to increase the average loudness of booms in the shadow zone. (This research is supported by the Commercial Supersonic Technology Project of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under Grant No. 80NSSC19K1685.)

sonic boom↗
NASA NTRS1993

A total variation diminishing finite difference algorithm for sonic boom propagation models

It is difficult to accurately model the rise phases of sonic boom waveforms with traditional finite difference algorithms because of finite difference phase dispersion. This paper introduces the concept of a total variation diminishing (TVD) finite difference method as a tool for accurately modeling the rise phases of sonic booms. A standard second order finite difference algorithm and its TVD modified counterpart are both applied to the one-way propagation of a square pulse. The TVD method clearly outperforms the non-TVD method, showing great potential as a new computational tool in the analysis of sonic boom propagation.

Sparrow, Victor W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A numerical model for sonic boom propagation through an inhomogeneous, windy atmosphere

The ZEPHYRUS computer model calculates sonic boom distortion during propagation through the atmosphere. The model includes the effects of nonlinear distortion, attenuation, dispersion, and wind. Trial runs with the model indicate that, in general, stable shocks have not formed when the sonic boom reaches the ground. Also, the rise time of the lead shock may strongly depend on the overall waveform shape, and may be significantly increased by purely dispersive effects when matching occurs between the rise time and the characteristic oxygen molecular relaxation time.

Robinson, Leick D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Sonic-boom propagation through a stratified atmosphere.

Theoretical approach to the problem of predicting the sonic-boom signature due to a maneuvering aircraft, with outline of the resulting calculation method. This method includes the effects of a variable, stratified atmosphere, and is based on geometric-acoustic principles. A nonlinear distortion is used to account for the weak shock field. The analytical results are compared with experimental data and excellent agreement was found, particularly with regard to signature length.

Hayes, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Effects of atmospheric irregularities on sonic-boom propagation.

A review is given of information obtained in recent years concerning the effects on sonic-boom signatures of departures of the atmosphere from a perfectly stratified time invariant model. These effects include the observed random variations in boom overpressures from those expected for a stratified atmosphere, the anomalously large and variable rise times, and the occurrence of spiked or rounded waveforms rather than the characteristic N waves. The extent of the variability in data recorded during actual flight tests is summarized in the form of histograms, representing experimentally obtained probability density functions. The physical mechanisms believed to be responsible for the variations and the anomalous features in the signatures are described. These include refraction and subsequent wavefront rippling by turbulence, the possible focusing or defocusing of rays, the formation of caustics, and the phenomenon of wavefront folding, diffraction, and scattering. Recent statistical theories of shock propagation through a turbulent atmosphere proposed by Crow, George and Plotkin, Pierce, Horning, and others are reviewed.

Pierce, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Sonic boom propagation in stratified atmosphere

Comprehensive analysis and algorithm, realized in a computer program, provides realistic calculations for sonic boom signatures in the atmosphere. Algorithm includes maneuvering aircraft in a sonic boom pressure calculation, a ray-tube area calculation, and results in the form of complete signatures.

Haefeli, R. C.↗