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At least 55 records · Page 3

Air-coupled acoustic thermography for in-situ evaluation

Acoustic thermography uses a housing configured for thermal, acoustic and infrared radiation shielding. For in-situ applications, the housing has an open side adapted to be sealingly coupled to a surface region of a structure such that an enclosed chamber filled with air is defined. One or more acoustic sources are positioned to direct acoustic waves through the air in the enclosed chamber and towards the surface region. To activate and control each acoustic source, a pulsed signal is applied thereto. An infrared imager focused on the surface region detects a thermal image of the surface region. A data capture device records the thermal image in synchronicity with each pulse of the pulsed signal such that a time series of thermal images is generated. For enhanced sensitivity and/or repeatability, sound and/or vibrations at the surface region can be used in feedback control of the pulsed signal applied to the acoustic sources.

Zalameda, Joseph N.↗

Direct Field and Reverberant Chamber Acoustic Test Comparisons

Reverberant and direct acoustic test comparisons were analyzed in this viewgraph presentation. The acoustic test data set includes: 1) CloudSat antenna subjected to PF reverberant chamber acoustic test; 2) CloudSat subjected to a PF direct speaker acoustic test; and 3) DAWN flight spacecraft subjected to PF direct speaker and a workmanship reverberant chamber acoustic test.

acoustics↗

Measurement resolution of noise directivity patterns from acoustic flight tests

The measurement resolution of noise directivity patterns from acoustic flight tests was investigated. Directivity angle resolution is affected by the data reduction parameters, the aircraft velocity and flyover altitude, and by deviations of the aircraft from the desired flight path. Equations are developed which determine bounds for the lateral and longitudinal directivity angle resolution as a function of the nominal directivity angle. The equations are applied to a flight test data base and the effects of several flight conditions and data reduction parameters on the directivity angle resolution are presented. The maximum directivity angle resolution typically occurs when the aircraft is at or near the overhead position. In general, directivity angle resolution improves with decreasing velocity, increasing altitude, increasing sampling rate, decreasing block size, and decreasing block averages. Deviations from the desired ideal flight path will increase the resolution. For the flight experiment considered in this study, an average of two flyovers were required at each test condition to obtain an acceptable flight path. The ability of the pilot to maintain the flight track improved with decreasing altitude, decreasing velocity, and practice. Due to the prevailing wind conditions, yaw angles of as much as 20 deg were required to maintain the desired flight path.

Conner, David A.↗

Comparison of NASA and contractor results from aeroacoustic tests of QCSEE OTW engine

The aerodynamics and acoustics of the over-the-wing (OTW) Quiet, Clean, Short Haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) were tested. A boilerplate (nonflight weight), high-throat Mach number, acoustically treated inlet and a D-shaped OTW exhaust nozzle with variable position side doors were used. Some acoustic directivity results for the type "D" nozzle and acoustic effects of variations in the nozzle side door positions are included. It was found that the results are in agreement with those previously obtained.

Bloomer, H. E.↗

Noise radiation directivity from a wind-tunnel inlet with inlet vanes and duct wall linings

The acoustic radiation patterns from a 1/15th scale model of the Ames 80- by 120-Ft Wind Tunnel test section and inlet have been measured with a noise source installed in the test section. Data were acquired without airflow in the duct. Sound-absorbent inlet vanes oriented parallel to each other, or splayed with a variable incidence relative to the duct long axis, were evaluated along with duct wall linings. Results show that splayed vans tend to spread the sound to greater angles than those measured with the open inlet. Parallel vanes narrowed the high-frequency radiation pattern. Duct wall linings had a strong effect on acoustic directivity by attenuating wall reflections. Vane insertion loss was measured. Directivity results are compared with existing data from square ducts. Two prediction methods for duct radiation directivity are described: one is an empirical method based on the test data, and the other is a analytical method based on ray acoustics.

Soderman, P. T.↗

Diagnostic techniques for measurement of aerodynamic noise in free field and reverberant environment of wind tunnels

Techniques for studying aerodynamic noise generating mechanisms without disturbing the flow in a free field, and in the reverberation environment of the ARC wind tunnel were investigated along with the design and testing of an acoustic antenna with an electronic steering control. The acoustic characteristics of turbojet as a noise source, detection of direct sound from a source in a reverberant background, optical diagnostic methods, and the design characteristics of a high directivity acoustic antenna. Recommendations for further studies are included.

El-Sum, H. M. A.↗

Helicopter rotor trailing edge noise

A two dimensional section of a helicopter main rotor blade was tested in an acoustic wind tunnel at close to full-scale Reynolds numbers to obtain boundary layer data and acoustic data for use in developing an acoustic scaling law and testing a first principles trailing edge noise theory. Results were extended to the rotating frame coordinate system to develop a helicopter rotor trailing edge noise prediction. Comparisons of the calculated noise levels with helicopter flyover spectra demonstrate that trailing edge noise contributes significantly to the total helicopter noise spectrum at high frequencies. This noise mechanism is expected to control the minimum rotor noise. In the case of noise radiation from a local blade segment, the acoustic directivity pattern is predicted by the first principles trailing edge noise theory. Acoustic spectra are predicted by a scaling law which includes Mach number, boundary layer thickness and observer position. Spectrum shape and sound pressure level are also predicted by the first principles theory but the analysis does not predict the Strouhal value identifying the spectrum peak.

Schlinker, R. H.↗

The prediction of STOVL noise - Current semiempirical methods and comparisons with jet noise data

The prediction of conventional or STOVL turbojet propulsion system-using aircraft noise is presently undertaken by means of a method incorporating empirical models for jet-mixing noise, engine core noise, and broadband shock noise. The free-jet noise is coupled with a novel empirical equation for ground-interaction noise generated by a vertically impinging jet, and supplemented with the out-of-ground-effect free-jet acoustic directivity pattern of a Harrier-type vectoring nozzle installation. This acoustic-prediction method yielded reasonable agreement with measured far-field Harrier noise during hover in and out of ground effect. Unlike small-scale studies of jet impingement on a hard surface, no tones were found in the present Harrier nozzle spectra.

Soderman, Paul T.↗

Matrix Cracking in 3D Orthogonal Melt-Infiltrated SiC/SiC Composites with Various Z-Fiber Types

The occurrence of matrix cracks in melt-infiltrated SiC/SiC composites with a 3D orthogonal architecture was determined at room temperature for specimens tested in tension oriented in the X-direction (parallel to Z-bundle weave direction) and Y-direction (perpendicular to Z-bundle weave direction) and Y-direction (perpendicular to Z-bundle weave direction). The fiber-types were Sylramic and Sylramic-IBN in the X and Y-directions and lower modulus ZMI, T300, and rayon in the Z-direction. Acoustic emission (AE) was used to monitor the matrix cracking activity. For Y-direction composites, the AE data was used to determine the exact (+/- 0.25 mm) location where matrix cracks occurred in the 3D orthogonal architecture. This enabled the determination of the stress-dependent matrix crack distributions for small but repeatable matrix rich 'unidirectional' and the matrix poor 'cross-ply' regions within the architecture. It was found that matrix cracking initiated at very low stresses (approx. 40 MPa) in the 'unidirectional' regions for the largest z-direction fiber tow composites. Decreasing the size of the z-fiber bundle, increased the stress for matrix cracking in the 'unidirectional' regions. Matrix cracking in the 'cross-ply' regions always occurred at higher stresses than in 'unidirectional' regions, and the stress-dependent matrix crack distribution of the 'cross-ply' regions was always over a wider stress-range than the 'unidirectional' regions. For composites tested in the X-direction, a lower elastic modulus and a narrower and lower stress-range for matrix cracking were observed compared to composites tested in the Y-direction.

Morscher, Gregory N.↗

A four-element end-fire microphone array for acoustic measurements in wind tunnels

A prototype four-element end-fire microphone array was designed and built for evaluation as a directional acoustic receiver for use in large wind tunnels. The microphone signals were digitized, time delayed, summed, and reconverted to analog form in such a way as to create a directional response with the main lobe along the array axis. The measured array directivity agrees with theoretical predictions confirming the circuit design of the electronic control module. The array with 0.15 m (0.5 ft) microphone spacing rejected reverberations and background noise in the Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel by 5 to 12 db for frequencies above 400 Hz.

Soderman, P. T.↗

Prediction of the Acoustic Field Associated with Instability Wave Source Model for a Compressible Jet

This paper provides preliminary results of the study of the acoustic radiation from the source model representing spatially-growing instability waves in a round jet at high speeds. The source model is briefly discussed first followed by the analysis of the produced acoustic directivity pattern. Two integral surface techniques are discussed and compared for prediction of the jet acoustic radiation field.

Golubev, Vladimir↗

Evaluation of the Acoustic Measurement Capability of the NASA Langley V/STOL Wind Tunnel Open Test Section with Acoustically Absorbent Ceiling and Floor Treatments

The single source location used for helicopter model studies was utilized in a study to determine the distances and directions upstream of the model accurate at which measurements of the direct acoustic field could be obtained. The method used was to measure the decrease of sound pressure levels with distance from a noise source and thereby determine the Hall radius as a function of frequency and direction. Test arrangements and procedures are described. Graphs show the normalized sound pressure level versus distance curves for the glass fiber floor treatment and for the foam floor treatment.

Theobald, M. A.↗

Aerodynamic and Acoustic Interactions Associated with Inboard Propeller-Wing Configurations

A series of aerodynamic performance and acoustic measurements have been made on a range of inboard propeller-wing interaction configurations in the NASA Langley Low Speed Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel (LSAWT). The results presented in this paper are part of a more expansive testing campaign encompassing both single propeller-wing and multipropeller-wing interactions, the former of which is discussed in the present work. The primary testing parameters of interest to this study are the axial and vertical positioning of the wing relative to the propeller slipstream under a constant propeller advance ratio. A multi-faceted computational effort was also employed in an effort to identify reflection and scattering effects imposed by both the wing geometry as well as the primary components of the facility test setup. This effort consisted of aerodynamic predictions using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD), acoustic predictions using an impermeable Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) solver, and acoustic scattering predictions. Acoustic measurements reveal variations in the acoustic directivity behavior of the propeller blade passage frequency for even modest variations in wing position. CFD-based acoustic predictions reveal discrepancies relative to the experimental data, which is believed to be due to complex acoustic scattering behavior within the test section. Initial attempts at modeling the scattered acoustic field showed functional dependency of the acoustic amplitude variations on the wing position relative to the propeller disk, however discrepancies with experimental data remain.

Nikolas S. Zawodny↗

Acoustic characteristics of large-scale STOL models at forward speed

Wind-tunnel investigations of the acoustic characteristics of the externally blown jet flap (EBF) and augmentor wing STOL concepts are discussed. The large-scale EBF model was equipped with a triple-slotted flap 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. Flap deflection had a greater effect on the acoustics of the augmentor wing than did airspeed. 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. Small-scale research of the acoustics for the augmentor wing has shown that by blowing an acoustically treated augmentor with a lobed primary nozzle, the 95-PNdb noise level goal can be achieved or surpassed.

Falarski, M. D.↗

A survey of the acoustical field of a rectangular wall jet

The acoustic field of a rectangular wall jet was surveyed for Reynolds numbers between 2000 and 9200. The study includes measurements of amplitude directivity, acoustic power spectra, and flow visualization. The effects of jet speed, wall length and trailing edge angle were examined. The flow visualization survey suggests an important role of discrete vortex convection in wall tone generation.

Horne, W. C.↗

Low-Speed Fan Noise Reduction With Trailing Edge Blowing

An experimental proof-of-concept test was conducted to demonstrate reduction of rotor-stator interaction noise through rotor-trailing edge blowing. The velocity deficit from the viscous wake of the rotor blades was reduced by injecting air into the wake from a trailing edge slot. Composite hollow rotor blades with internal flow passages were designed based on analytical codes modeling the internal flow. The hollow blade with interior guide vanes creates flow channels through which externally supplied air flows from the root of the blade to the trailing edge. The impact of the rotor wake-stator interaction on the acoustics was also predicted analytically. The Active Noise Control Fan, located at the NASA Glenn Research Center, was used as the proof- of-concept test bed. In-duct mode and farfield directivity acoustic data were acquired at blowing rates (defined as mass supplied to trailing edge blowing system divided by fan mass flow) ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 percent. The first three blade passing frequency harmonics at fan rotational speeds of 1700 to 1900 rpm were analyzed. The acoustic tone power levels (PWL) in the inlet and exhaust were reduced 11.5 and -0.1, 7.2 and 11.4, 11.8 and 19.4 PWL dB, respectively. The farfield tone power levels at the first three harmonics were reduced 5.4, 10.6, and 12.4 dB PWL. At selected conditions, two-component hotwire and stator vane unsteady surface pressures were acquired. These measurements illustrate the physics behind the noise reduction.

Sutliff, Daniel L.↗

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.↗

Test of acoustic tone source and propulsion performance of C8A Buffalo suppressor nozzle

Results are presented for a static acoustic and propulsion performance ground test conducted at the Boeing hot nozzle facility on the C8A Buffalo noise suppressor nozzle. Various methods to remove a nozzle-associated 2000-Hz tone are evaluated. Results of testing this rectangular-array lobed nozzle for propulsion performance and acoustic directivity are reported. Recommendations for future nozzle modifications and further testing are included. Appendix A contains the test plan. Appendix B presents the test log. Appendix C contains plots of the one-third octave sound pressure levels recorded during the test. Appendix D describes the acoustic data recording and reduction systems. The performance data is tabulated in Appendix E.

Marrs, C. C.↗