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At least 55 records · Page 3

A Microphone Phased Array for Launch Acoustics Application

A new, portable, phased array of microphones is built at NASA Ames Research Center specifically for the harsh environment encountered in launch pads of rocket vehicles. It uses 70 rugged, piezo-electric, dynamic pressure sensors optimally distributed on a 10.5ft diameter open frame dome structure. The open frame is light yet robust to sustain the high wind load of typical seaside launch pads, and the blast and acoustic loads from the launch. A 200-ft long cable bundle carries the microphone signals to a weather-protected electronic cabinet containing the data acquisition system, computers, and other equipment. The array is equipped with an infra-red camera and a visible wavelength camera for imaging the launch site. The beamformed noise maps will be superimposed on the video footages collected by the cameras for correct identification of the noise sources. The array is tested with very loud noise sources to determine the beamforming ability. Multiple mathematical models, such as the conventional beamforming, orthogonal-functional beamforming, spectral element method etc. are used to determine the minimum spatial resolution of the sound sources that can be measured at different frequencies. Additionally, the array hardware is being tested for different environmental conditions and electro-magnetic compliance. The goal is to use the array for NASA’s Artemis/SLS vehicle that will be launched from a newly built Mobile Launch platform and a modified launch pad. Data from a couple of validation tests will be presented in this paper. The first test involves an outdoor setup where the array was placed on a crane at several different heights and distances from a pair of very loud noise sources. The second test from the static firing of the RS25 engines in an outdoor test stand.

Acoustics↗

A Microphone Phased Array for Launch Acoustics Application

A new, portable, phased array of microphones is built at NASA Ames Research Center specifically for the harsh environment encountered in launch pads of rocket vehicles. It uses 70 piezoresistive, dynamic pressure sensors, optimally distributed on a 10.5ft diameter open frame dome structure. The open frame is light yet robust to sustain the high wind load of typical seaside launch pads, and the blast and acoustic loads from the launch. A 200-ft long cable bundle carries the microphone signals to a weather-protected cabinet containing the data systems, and allows for the placement of the array tall structures. The array is equipped with an infra-red camera and a visible wavelength camera for imaging the launch pad. The beamformed noise maps will be superimposed on the video footages collected by the cameras for correct identification of the noise sources. The array is tested with very loud speaker sources to determine the beamforming ability using different schemes, such as the conventional beamforming, orthogonal-functional beamforming, and spectral element methods. A comparative study was conducted to determine the minimum attainable spatial resolution. Data from a validation test in an outdoor setup, where the array was placed on a Telehandler at several different heights and distances from either a single or a pair of speakers, is presented in this paper. The final goal is to use the array during NASA’s Artemis-II launch to determine the distribution of noise sources on the Mobile Launcher.

Acoustics↗

Identification and proposed control of helicopter transmission noise at the source

Helicopter cabin interiors require noise treatment which is expensive and adds weight. The gears inside the main power transmission are major sources of cabin noise. Work conducted by the NASA Lewis Research Center in measuring cabin interior noise and in relating the noise spectrum to the gear vibration of the Army OH-58 helicopter is described. Flight test data indicate that the planetary gear train is a major source of cabin noise and that other low frequency sources are present that could dominate the cabin noise. Companion vibration measurements were made in a transmission test stand, revealing that the single largest contributor to the transmission vibration was the spiral bevel gear mesh. The current understanding of the nature and causes of gear and transmission noise is discussed. It is believed that the kinematical errors of the gear mesh have a strong influence on that noise. The completed NASA/Army sponsored research that applies to transmission noise reduction is summarized. The continuing research program is also reviewed.

Coy, John J.↗

Identification and proposed control of helicopter transmission noise at the source

Helicopter cabin interiors require noise treatment which is expensive and adds weight. The gears inside the main power transmission are major sources of cabin noise. Work conducted by the NASA Lewis Research Center in measuring cabin interior noise and in relating the noise spectrum to the gear vibration of the Army OH-58 helicopter is described. Flight test data indicate that the planetary gear train is a major source of cabin noise and that other low frequency sources are present that could dominate the cabin noise. Companion vibration measurements were made in a transmission test stand, revealing that the single largest contributor to the transmission vibration was the spiral bevel gear mesh. The current understanding of the nature and causes of gear and transmission noise is discussed. It is believed that the kinematical errors of the gear mesh have a strong influence on that noise. The completed NASA/Army sponsored research that applies to transmission noise reduction is summarized. The continuing research program is also reviewed.

Coy, John J.↗

Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig Validation

The Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig (SHJAR), located in the Aeroacoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL) at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, was commissioned in 2001 to test jet noise reduction concepts at low technology readiness levels (TRL 1-3) and develop advanced measurement techniques. The first series of tests on the SHJAR were designed to prove its capabilities and establish the quality of the jet noise data produced. Towards this goal, a methodology was employed dividing all noise sources into three categories: background noise, jet noise, and rig noise. Background noise was directly measured. Jet noise and rig noise were separated by using the distance and velocity scaling properties of jet noise. Effectively, any noise source that did not follow these rules of jet noise was labeled as rig noise. This method led to the identification of a high frequency noise source related to the Reynolds number. Experiments using boundary layer treatment and hot wire probes documented this noise source and its removal, allowing clean testing of low Reynolds number jets. Other tests performed characterized the amplitude and frequency of the valve noise, confirmed the location of the acoustic far field, and documented the background noise levels under several conditions. Finally, a full set of baseline data was acquired. This paper contains the methodology and test results used to verify the quality of the SHJAR rig.

Brown, Cliff↗

Slat Noise Simulations: Status and Challenges

Noise radiation from the leading edge slat of a high-lift system is known to be an important component of aircraft noise during approach. NASA's Langley Research Center is engaged in a coordinated series of investigations combining high-fidelity numerical simulations and detailed wind tunnel measurements of a generic, unswept, 3-element, high-lift configuration. The goal of this effort is to provide a validated predictive capability that would enable identification of the dominant noise source mechanisms and, ultimately, help develop physics inspired concepts for reducing the far-field acoustic intensity. This paper provides a brief overview of the current status of the computational effort and describes new findings pertaining to the effects of the angle of attack on the aeroacoustics of the slat cove region. Finally, the interplay of the simulation campaign with the concurrently evolving development of a benchmark dataset for an international workshop on airframe noise is outlined.

Choudhari, Meelan M.↗

A smart pattern recognition system for the automatic identification of aerospace acoustic sources

An intelligent air-noise recognition system is described that uses pattern recognition techniques to distinguish noise signatures of five different types of acoustic sources, including jet planes, propeller planes, a helicopter, train, and wind turbine. Information for classification is calculated using the power spectral density and autocorrelation taken from the output of a single microphone. Using this system, as many as 90 percent of test recordings were correctly identified, indicating that the linear discriminant functions developed can be used for aerospace source identification.

Cabell, R. H.↗

The Acoustic Analogy and Alternative Theories for Jet Noise Prediction

This paper describes several methods for the prediction of jet noise. All but one of the noise prediction schemes are based on Lighthill's or Lilley's acoustic analogy while the other is the jet noise generation model recently proposed by Tam and Auriault. In all the approaches some assumptions must be made concerning the statistical properties of the turbulent sources. In each case the characteristic scales of the turbulence are obtained from a solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equation using a k - epsilon turbulence model. It is shown that, for the same level of empiricism, Tam and Auriault's model yields better agreement with experimental noise measurements than the acoustic analogy. It is then shown that this result is not because of some fundamental flaw in the acoustic analogy approach: but, is associated with the assumptions made in the approximation of the turbulent source statistics. If consistent assumptions are made, both the acoustic analogy and Tam and Auriault's model yield identical noise predictions. The paper concludes with a proposal for an acoustic analogy that provides a clearer identification of the equivalent source mechanisms and a discussion of noise prediction issues that remain to be resolved.

Morris, Philip J.↗

The Acoustic Analogy and Alternative Theories for Jet Noise Prediction

This paper describes several methods for the prediction of jet noise. All but one of the noise prediction schemes are based on Lighthill's or Lilley's acoustic analogy while the other is the jet noise generation model recently proposed by Tam and Auriault. In all the approaches some assumptions must be made concerning the statistical properties of the turbulent sources. In each case the characteristic scales of the turbulence are obtained from a solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equation using a k-epsilon turbulence model. It is shown that, for the same level of empiricism, Tam and Auriault's model yields better agreement with experimental noise measurements than the acoustic analogy. It is then shown that this result is not because of some fundamental flaw in the acoustic analogy approach: but, is associated with the assumptions made in the approximation of the turbulent source statistics. If consistent assumptions are made, both the acoustic analogy and Tam and Auriault's model yield identical noise predictions. The paper concludes with a proposal for an acoustic analogy that provides a clearer identification of the equivalent source mechanisms and a discussion of noise prediction issues that remain to be resolved.

Morris, Philip J.↗

Initial Integration of Noise Prediction Tools for Acoustic Scattering Effects

This effort provides an initial glimpse at NASA capabilities available in predicting the scattering of fan noise from a non-conventional aircraft configuration. The Aircraft NOise Prediction Program, Fast Scattering Code, and the Rotorcraft Noise Model were coupled to provide increased fidelity models of scattering effects on engine fan noise sources. The integration of these codes led to the identification of several keys issues entailed in applying such multi-fidelity approaches. In particular, for prediction at noise certification points, the inclusion of distributed sources leads to complications with the source semi-sphere approach. Computational resource requirements limit the use of the higher fidelity scattering code to predict radiated sound pressure levels for full scale configurations at relevant frequencies. And, the ability to more accurately represent complex shielding surfaces in current lower fidelity models is necessary for general application to scattering predictions. This initial step in determining the potential benefits/costs of these new methods over the existing capabilities illustrates a number of the issues that must be addressed in the development of next generation aircraft system noise prediction tools.

Nark, Douglas M.↗

Acoustic Analogy and Alternative Theories for Jet Noise Prediction

Several methods for the prediction of jet noise are described. All but one of the noise prediction schemes are based on Lighthill's or Lilley's acoustic analogy, whereas the other is the jet noise generation model recently proposed by Tam and Auriault. In all of the approaches, some assumptions must be made concerning the statistical properties of the turbulent sources. In each case the characteristic scales of the turbulence are obtained from a solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation using a kappa-sigma turbulence model. It is shown that, for the same level of empiricism, Tam and Auriault's model yields better agreement with experimental noise measurements than the acoustic analogy. It is then shown that this result is not because of some fundamental flaw in the acoustic analogy approach, but instead is associated with the assumptions made in the approximation of the turbulent source statistics. If consistent assumptions are made, both the acoustic analogy and Tam and Auriault's model yield identical noise predictions. In conclusion, a proposal is presented for an acoustic analogy that provides a clearer identification of the equivalent source mechanisms, as is a discussion of noise prediction issues that remain to be resolved.

Morris, Philip J.↗

Acoustic Modifications of the Ames 40x80 Foot Wind Tunnel and Test Techniques for High-Speed Research Model Testing

The NFAC 40- by 80- Foot Wind Tunnel at Ames is being refurbished with a new, deep acoustic lining in the test section which will make the facility nearly anechoic over a large frequency range. The modification history, key elements, and schedule will be discussed. Design features and expected performance gains will be described. Background noise reductions will be summarized. Improvements in aeroacoustic research techniques have been developed and used recently at NFAC on several wind tunnel tests of High Speed Research models. Research on quiet inflow microphones and struts will be described. The Acoustic Survey Apparatus in the 40x80 will be illustrated. A special intensity probe was tested for source localization. Multi-channel, high speed digital data acquisition is now used for acoustics. And most important, phased microphone arrays have been developed and tested which have proven to be very powerful for source identification and increased signal-to-noise ratio. Use of these tools for the HEAT model will be illustrated. In addition, an acoustically absorbent symmetry plane was built to satisfy the HEAT semispan aerodynamic and acoustic requirements. Acoustic performance of that symmetry plane will be shown.

Soderman, Paul T.↗

Noise characterization and minimization of a precision gyroscopic rate sensor

A program has been conducted to evaluate the noise signature of Space Telescope gyros. The Space Telescope gyros provide a three-axis attitude reference using six single-degree-of-freedom gyroscopes operated with pulse rebalance electronics; the rate sensor attitude quantization is 0.00025 arcsec. The results of the noise evaluation program, including error source characterization and identification of candidate design modifications, are summarized together with the results of prototype hardware testing. It is shown that the proposed design modifications can significantly improve the rate sensor noise performance.

Dougherty, H.↗

Investigation of helicopter rotor blade/wake interactive impulsive noise

An analysis of the Tip Aerodynamic/Aeroacoustic Test (TAAT) data was performed to identify possible aerodynamic sources of blade/vortex interaction (BVI) impulsive noise. The identification is based on correlation of measured blade pressure time histories with predicted blade/vortex intersections for the flight condition(s) where impulsive noise was detected. Due to the location of the recording microphones, only noise signatures associated with the advancing blade were available, and the analysis was accordingly restricted to the first and second azimuthal quadrants. The results show that the blade tip region is operating transonically in the azimuthal range where previous BVI experiments indicated the impulsive noise to be. No individual blade/vortex encounter is identifiable in the pressure data; however, there is indication of multiple intersections in the roll-up region which could be the origin of the noise. Discrete blade/vortex encounters are indicated in the second quadrant; however, if impulsive noise were produced here, the directivity pattern would be such that it was not recorded by the microphones. It is demonstrated that the TAAT data base is a valuable resource in the investigation of rotor aerodynamic/aeroacoustic behavior.

Miley, S. J.↗

Rotor noise

The physical characteristics and sources of rotorcraft noise as they exist today are presented. Emphasis is on helicopter-like vehicles, that is, on rotorcraft in nonaxial flight. The mechanisms of rotor noise are reviewed in a simple physical manner for the most dominant sources of rotorcraft noise. With simple models, the characteristic time- and frequency-domain features of these noise sources are presented for idealized cases. Full-scale data on several rotorcraft are then reviewed to allow for the easy identification of the type and extent of the radiating noise. Methods and limitations of using scaled models to test for several noise sources are subsequently presented. Theoretical prediction methods are then discussed and compared with experimental data taken under very controlled conditions. Finally, some promising noise reduction technology is reviewed.

Schmitz, F. H.↗

Main rotor broadband noise study in the DNW

An acoustics test of a 2/5 scale model BO-105 helicopter main rotor was conducted in the Duits-Nederlandse Windtunnel (DNW). A range of operating conditions was tested from hover to moderately high flight speeds for various climb and descent rates at different thrust settings. Diagnostic tests including rotor speed and blade geometry changes were made to better isolate and study particular broadband self noise sources. Acoustic data in the form of acoustic pressure time histories and power spectra are used to demonstrate the regions of importance of the different broadband noise sources and their sensitivity to operating conditions. To help interpret the data, comparisons are made to predictions of rotor broadband noise. The predictions are based on self noise data previously obtained from isolated airfoil sections and the use of the NASA ROTONET program to define rotor performance and to sum contributions of noise from individual blade segments. An important result herein is the identification and articulation of a previously unheralded rotor broadband noise source. This source is blade-turbulent wake interaction (BWI) noise which dominates the spectra in the mid-frequencies for off-peak blade-vortex interaction (BVI) noise flight conditions.

Brooks, Thomas F.↗

Helicopter main-rotor noise: Determination of source contributions using scaled model data

Acoustic data from a test of a 40 percent model MBB BO-105 helicopter main rotor are scaled to equivalent full-scale flyover cases. The test was conducted in the anechoic open test section of the German-Dutch Windtunnel (DNW). The measured data are in the form of acoustic pressure time histories and spectra from two out-of-flow microphones underneath and foward of the model. These are scaled to correspond to measurements made at locations 150 m below the flight path of a full-scale rotor. For the scaled data, a detailed analysis is given for the identification in the data of the noise contributions from different rotor noise sources. Key results include a component breakdown of the noise contributions, in terms of noise criteria calculations of a weighted sound pressure level (dBA) and perceived noise level (PNL), as functions of rotor advance ratio and descent angle. It is shown for the scaled rotor that, during descent, impulsive blade-vortex interaction (BVI) noise is the dominant contributor to the noise. In level flight and mild climb, broadband blade-turbulent wake interaction (BWI) noise is dominant due to the absence of BVI activity. At high climb angles, BWI is reduced and self-noise from blade boundary-layer turbulence becomes the most prominent.

Brooks, Thomas F.↗

DGEN Aeropropulsion Research Turbofan (DART) Test Plans

This presentation serves as an overview of test plans for an upcoming DGEN Aeropropulsion Research Turbofan (DART) test entry at the NASA GRC AeroAcoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL). The test entry includes: (1) a fan intra-stage velocity field survey, which will be compared to a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) survey of DART, (2) an exploratory noise study of DART with several objectives focused on measurement projection to the far-field, source identification improvements and development of a barrier wall for isolation of various sources, (3) advancement of core/combustor noise research on DART using more extensive engine-mounted instrumentation, and (4) high-temperature pressure sensor technology-readiness-level (TRL) advancement.

Boyle, Devin K.↗