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At least 433 records · Page 24

Seismoacoustic Signatures Observed During a Long-Term Deployment of Infrasound Sensors at the Nevada National Security Site

Earthquakes have repeatedly been shown to produce inaudible acoustic signals (<20 Hz), otherwise known as infrasound. These signals can propagate hundreds to thousands of kilometers and still be detected by ground-based infrasound arrays depending on the source strength, distance between source and receiver, and atmospheric conditions. Another type of signal arrival at infrasound arrays is the seismic induced motion of the sensor itself, or ground-motion-induced sensor noise. Measured acoustic and seismic waves produced by earthquakes can provide insight into properties of the earthquake such as magnitude, depth, and focal mechanism, as well as information about the local lithology and atmospheric conditions. Large earthquakes that produce strong acoustic signals detected at distances greater than 100 km are the most commonly studied; however, more recent studies have found that smaller magnitude earthquakes ($M$ w <2.0) can be detected at short ranges. In that vein, this study will investigate the ability for a long-term deployment of infrasound sensors (deployed as part of the Source Physics Experiments [SPE] from 2014 to 2020) to detect both seismic and infrasonic signals from earthquakes at local ranges (<50 km). Methods used include a combination of spectral analysis and automated array processing, supported by U.S. Geological Survey earthquake bulletins. Further, this investigation revealed no clear acoustic detections for short range earthquakes. However, secondary infrasound from an $M$ w 7.1 earthquake over 200 km away was detected. Important insights were also made regarding the performance of the SPE networks including detections of other acoustic sources such as bolides and rocket launches. Finally, evaluation of the infrasound arrays is performed to provide insight into optimal deployments for targeting earthquake infrasound.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Moog S-250 Vehicle Hover Test Update

Acoustic measurements were made with the Moog SureFly vehicle in hover and for the vehicle performing a combined takeoff and landing maneuver. The objectives of the effort were to identify the far field, obtain data to construct a noise hemisphere for prediction tool validation, and to obtain out-and back data for use in perceived noise studies. Vehicle telemetry data and future plans for the acoustic analysis were presented.

Urban Air Mobility Noise↗

Noise suppression due to annulus shaping of an inverted-velocity-profile coaxial nozzle

An inverted velocity profile coaxial nozzle for use with supersonic cruise aircraft produces less jet noise than an equivalent conical nozzle. Furthermore, decreasing the annulus height (increasing radius ratio with constant flow) results in further noise reduction benefits. The annulus shape (height) was varied by an eccentric mounting of the annular nozzle with respect to a conical core nozzle. Acoustic measurements were made in the flyover plane below the narrowest portion of the annulus and at 90 deg and 180 deg from this point. The model-scale spectra are scaled up to engine size (1.07 m diameter) and the perceived noise levels for the eccentric and baseline concentric inverted velocity profile coaxial nozzles are compared over a range of operating conditions. The implications of the acoustic benefits derived with the eccentric nozzle to practical applications are discussed.

Goodykoontz, J.↗

Kick Signatures Through Advanced Multi-Phase Data

Existing downhole geophysical sensors, like those used in LWD, offer an opportunity for early kick detection, but they are not currently used for detection or characterization. Downhole acoustic measurements also have the potential for providing reliable gas leak detection based on their high sensitivity to low concentrations of gas present in a gas-liquid mixture. This effort seeks to close a data knowledge gap through numerical simulation and use this data to aid in development of a low-cost, fast, and reliable early kick detection technology for preventing blowouts based on the acoustic signature.

Carney, Janine↗

Noise suppression due to annulus shaping of an inverted-velocity-profile coaxial nozzle

Previous studies have shown that an inverted-velocity-profile coaxial nozzle for use with supersonic cruise aircraft produces less jet noise than an equivalent conical nozzle. Furthermore, decreasing the annulus height (increasing radius ratio with constant flow) results in further noise reduction benefits. In the present model-scale study, the annulus shape, that is, height, was varied by an eccentric mounting of the annular nozzle with respect to a conical core nozzle. Acoustic measurements were made in the flyover plane below the narrowest portion of the annulus and at 90 deg and 180 deg from this point. The model-scale spectra are scaled up to engine size (1.07 m diameter) and the perceived noise levels for the eccentric and baseline concentric inverted-velocity-profile coaxial nozzles are compared over a range of operating conditions. The implications of the acoustic benefits derived with the eccentric nozzle to practical applications are discussed.

Goodykoontz, J.↗

A Background Noise Reduction Technique Using Adaptive Noise Cancellation for Microphone Arrays

Background noise in wind tunnel environments poses a challenge to acoustic measurements due to possible low or negative Signal to Noise Ratios (SNRs) present in the testing environment. This paper overviews the application of time domain Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) to microphone array signals with an intended application of background noise reduction in wind tunnels. An experiment was conducted to simulate background noise from a wind tunnel circuit measured by an out-of-flow microphone array in the tunnel test section. A reference microphone was used to acquire a background noise signal which interfered with the desired primary noise source signal at the array. The technique s efficacy was investigated using frequency spectra from the array microphones, array beamforming of the point source region, and subsequent deconvolution using the Deconvolution Approach for the Mapping of Acoustic Sources (DAMAS) algorithm. Comparisons were made with the conventional techniques for improving SNR of spectral and Cross-Spectral Matrix subtraction. The method was seen to recover the primary signal level in SNRs as low as -29 dB and outperform the conventional methods. A second processing approach using the center array microphone as the noise reference was investigated for more general applicability of the ANC technique. It outperformed the conventional methods at the -29 dB SNR but yielded less accurate results when coherence over the array dropped. This approach could possibly improve conventional testing methodology but must be investigated further under more realistic testing conditions.

Spalt, Taylor B.↗

Signal processing of jet noise from flyover test data

Narrow-band spectra characterizing jet noise are constructed from flyover acoustic measurements. Radar and c-band tracking systems provided the aircraft position histories which enabled directivity and smear angles from the aircraft to each microphone to be computed. These angles are based on source emission time and thus give some idea about the directivity of the radiated sound field due to jet noise. Simulated spectra are included in the paper to demonstrate spectral broadening due to smear angle. The acoustic data described in the study has application to community noise analysis, noise source characterization and validation of prediction models. Both broadband-shock noise and turbulent mixing noise are observed in the spectra. A detailed description of the signal processing procedures is provided.

Kelly, Jeffrey J.↗

A sophisticated, multi-channel data acquisition and processing system for high frequency noise research

A sophisticated, multi-channel computerized data acquisition and processing system was developed at the NASA LeRC for use in noise experiments. This technology, which is available for transfer to industry, provides a convenient, cost-effective alternative to analog tape recording for high frequency acoustic measurements. This system provides 32-channel acquisition of microphone signals with an analysis bandwidth up to 100 kHz per channel. Cost was minimized through the use of off-the-shelf components. Requirements to allow for future expansion were met by choosing equipment which adheres to established industry standards for hardware and software. Data processing capabilities include narrow band and 1/3 octave spectral analysis, compensation for microphone frequency response/directivity, and correction of acoustic data to standard day conditions. The system was used successfully in a major wind tunnel test program at NASA LeRC to acquire and analyze jet noise data in support of the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) program.

Hall, David G.↗

Review of Combustion-acoustic Instabilities

Combustion-acoustic instabilities occur when the acoustic energy increase due to the unsteady heat release of the flame is greater than the losses of acoustic energy from the system. The problem of combustion-acoustic instability is a concern in many devices for various reasons, as each device may have a unique mechanism causing unsteady heat release rates and many have unique boundary conditions. To accurately predict and quantify combustion-acoustic stabilities, the unsteady heat release rate and boundary conditions need to be accurately determined. The present review brings together work performed on a variety of practical combustion devices. Many theoretical and experimental investigations of the unsteady heat release rate have been performed, some based on perturbations in the fuel delivery system particularly for rocket instabilities, while others are based on hydrodynamic processes as in ramjet dump combustors. The boundary conditions for rocket engines have been analyzed and measured extensively. However, less work has been done to measure acoustic boundary conditions in many other combustion systems.

Oyediran, Ayo↗

Comparison of a Convected Helmholtz and Euler Model for Impedance Eduction in Flow

Impedances educed from a well-tested convected Helmholtz model are compared to that of a recently developed linearized Euler model using two ceramic test liners under the assumed conditions or uniform flow and a plane wave source. The convected Helmholtz model is restricted to uniform mean flow whereas the linearized Euler model can account for the effect or the shear layer. Test data to educe the impedance is acquired from measurements obtained in the NASA Langley Research Center Grazing Incidence Tube for mean flow Mach numbers ranging from 0.0 to 0.5 and source frequencies ranging from 0.5 kHz to 3.0 kHz. The unknown impedance of the liner b educed by judiciously choo~ingth e impedance via an optimization method to match the measured acoustic pressure on the wall opposite the test liner. Results are presented on four spatial grids using three different optimization methods (contour deformation, Davidon-Fletcher Powell, and the Genetic Algorithm). All three optimization methods converge to the same impedance when used with the same model and to nearly identical impedances when used on different models. h anomaly was observed only at 0.5 kHz for high mean flow speeds. The anomaly is likely due to the use of measured data in a flow regime where shear layer effects are important but are neglected in the math models. Consistency between the impedances educed using the two models provides confidence that the linearized Euler model is ready For application to more realistic flows, such as those containing shear layers.

Watson, Willie R.↗

Vibroacoustic Response of the NASA ACTS Spacecraft Antenna to Launch Acoustic Excitation

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite was an experimental NASA satellite launched from the Space Shuttle Discovery. As part of the ground test program, the satellite s large, parabolic reflector antennas were exposed to a reverberant acoustic loading to simulate the launch acoustics in the Shuttle payload bay. This paper describes the modelling and analysis of the dynamic response of these large, composite spacecraft antenna structure subjected to a diffuse acoustic field excitation. Due to the broad frequency range of the excitation, different models were created to make predictions in the various frequency regimes of interest: a statistical energy analysis (SEA) model to capture the high frequency response and a hybrid finite element-statistical energy (hybrid FE-SEA) model for the low to mid-frequency responses. The strengths and limitations of each of the analytical techniques are discussed. The predictions are then compared to the measured acoustic test data and to a boundary element (BEM) model to evaluate the performance of the hybrid techniques.

Larko, Jeffrey M.↗

CFD-CAA Coupled Calculations of a Tandem Cylinder Configuration to Assess Facility Installation Effects

This paper presents a numerical assessment of acoustic installation effects in the tandem cylinder (TC) experiments conducted in the NASA Langley Quiet Flow Facility (QFF), an open-jet, anechoic wind tunnel. Calculations that couple the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) of the TC configuration within the QFF are conducted using the CFD simulation results previously obtained at NASA LaRC. The coupled simulations enable the assessment of installation effects associated with several specific features in the QFF facility that may have impacted the measured acoustic signature during the experiment. The CFD-CAA coupling is based on CFD data along a suitably chosen surface, and employs a technique that was recently improved to account for installed configurations involving acoustic backscatter into the CFD domain. First, a CFD-CAA calculation is conducted for an isolated TC configuration to assess the coupling approach, as well as to generate a reference solution for subsequent assessments of QFF installation effects. Direct comparisons between the CFD-CAA calculations associated with the various installed configurations allow the assessment of the effects of each component (nozzle, collector, etc.) or feature (confined vs. free jet flow, etc.) characterizing the NASA LaRC QFF facility.

Redonnet, Stephane↗

Medium-Sized Helicopter Noise Abatement Flight Test

An extensive flight test campaign was recently completed which aims to reduce the noise generated by helicopters in an effort to improve community acceptance. Using a ground-based microphone array, acoustic measurements were acquired on helicopters in the medium-size vehicle weight class over a number of flight conditions including steady level flight, steady descents, and approaches. While data were collected across four helicopters, the Leonardo AW139 and Sikorsky S-76D will be the focus of this paper. The extent of measured ground noise con- tours was limited due to the site constraints. Thus, the Noise Informed Community Environment Operations Planning System (NICEOPS) in conjunction with the flight test data was used to estimate how changes in the operating procedures impact noise exposure over a wider area during approaches. It was found that even small longitudinal accelerations can have a substantial influence on the noise generation processes during approach and must be modeled appropriately to develop new flight procedures which minimize the acoustic impact on the ground.

Flight Testing↗

Prediction, Measurement, and Suppression of High Temperature Supersonic Jet Noise

The photograph in figure 1 displays a water cooled round convergent-divergent supersonic nozzle operating slightly overexpanded near 2460 F. The nozzle is designed to produce shock free flow near this temperature at Mach 2. The exit diameter of this nozzle is 3.5 inches. This nozzle is used in the present study to establish properties of the sound field associated with high temperature supersonic jets operating fully pressure balanced (i.e. shock free) and to evaluate capability of the compressible Rayleigh model to account for principle physical features of the observed sound emission. The experiment is conducted statically (i.e. M(sub f) = 0.) in the NASA/LaRC Jet Noise Laboratory. Both aerodynamic and acoustic measurements are obtained in this study along with numerical plume simulation and theoretical prediction of jet noise. Detailed results from this study are reported previously by Seiner, Ponton, Jansen, and Lagen.

Seiner, John M.↗

Recent Improvements to the Acoustical Testing Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center

The Acoustical Testing Laboratory (ATL) consists of a 27- by 23- by 20-ft (height) convertible hemi/anechoic chamber and separate sound-attenuating test support enclosure. Absorptive fiberglass wedges in the test chamber provide an anechoic environment down to 100 Hz. A spring-isolated floor system affords vibration isolation above 3 Hz. These specifications, along with very low design background levels, enable the acquisition of accurate and repeatable acoustical measurements on test articles that produce very low sound pressures. Removable floor wedges allow the test chamber to operate in either a hemi-anechoic or anechoic configuration, depending on the size of the test article and the specific test being conducted. The test support enclosure functions as a control room during normal operations. Recently improvements were accomplished in support of continued usage of the ATL by NASA programs including an analysis of the ultra-sonic characteristics. A 3-D traverse system inside the chamber was utilized for acquiring acoustic data for these tests. The traverse system drives a linear array of 13, 1/4 in.-microphones spaced 3 in. apart (36 in. span). An updated data acquisition system was also incorporated into the facility.

Podboy, Devin M.↗

Recent Improvements to the Acoustical Testing Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center

The Acoustical Testing Laboratory (ATL) consists of a 27 by 23 by 20 ft (height) convertible hemi/anechoic chamber and separate sound-attenuating test support enclosure. Absorptive fiberglass wedges in the test chamber provide an anechoic environment down to 100 Hz. A spring-isolated floor system affords vibration isolation above 3 Hz. These specifications, along with very low design background levels, enable the acquisition of accurate and repeatable acoustical measurements on test articles that produce very low sound pressures. Removable floor wedges allow the test chamber to operate in either a hemi-anechoic or anechoic configuration, depending on the size of the test article and the specific test being conducted. The test support enclosure functions as a control room during normal operations. Recently improvements were accomplished in support of continued usage of the ATL by NASA programs including an analysis of the ultra-sonic characteristics. A 3 dimensional traverse system inside the chamber was utilized for acquiring acoustic data for these tests. The traverse system drives a linear array of 13, 1/4"-microphones spaced 3" apart (36" span). An updated data acquisition system was also incorporated into the facility.

Podboy, Devin M.↗

Evaluation of a Variable-Impedance Ceramic Matrix Composite Acoustic Liner

As a result of significant progress in the reduction of fan and jet noise, there is growing concern regarding core noise. One method for achieving core noise reduction is via the use of acoustic liners. However, these liners must be constructed with materials suitable for high temperature environments and should be designed for optimum absorption of the broadband core noise spectrum. This paper presents results of tests conducted in the NASA Langley Liner Technology Facility to evaluate a variable-impedance ceramic matrix composite acoustic liner that offers the potential to achieve each of these goals. One concern is the porosity of the ceramic matrix composite material, and whether this might affect the predictability of liners constructed with this material. Comparisons between two variable-depth liners, one constructed with ceramic matrix composite material and the other constructed via stereolithography, are used to demonstrate this material porosity is not a concern. Also, some interesting observations are noted regarding the orientation of variable-depth liners. Finally, two propagation codes are validated via comparisons of predicted and measured acoustic pressure profiles for a variable-depth liner.

Jones, M. G.↗

Noise Benefits of Increased Fan Bypass Nozzle Area

An advanced model turbofan (typical of current engine technology) was tested in the NASA Glenn 9 by 15 Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel (9-by 15-Foot LSWT) to explore far field acoustic effects of increased bypass nozzle area. This fan stage test was part of the NASA Glenn Fan Broadband Source Diagnostic Test, second entry (SDT2) which acquired aeroacoustic results over a range of test conditions. The baseline nozzle was sized to produce maximum stage performance for the engine at a high altitude, cruise point condition. However, the wind tunnel testing is conducted near sea level conditions. Therefore, in order to simulate and obtain performance at other aircraft operating conditions, two additional nozzles were designed and tested-one with a +5 percent increase in weight flow (+5.4 percent increase in nozzle area compared with the baseline nozzle), sized to simulate the performance at the stage design point conditions, and the other with a +7.5 percent increase in weight flow (+10.9 percent increase in nozzle area), sized for maximum weight flow with a fixed nozzle at sea level conditions. Measured acoustic benefits with increased nozzle area were very encouraging, showing overall sound power level (OAPWL) reductions of 2 or more dB while the stage thrust actually increased by several percentage points except fro the most open nozzle at takeoff rotor speed where stage performance decreased. These noise reduction benefits were seen to primarily affect broadband noise, and were evident throughout the range of measured sideline angles.

Woodward, Richard P.↗