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At least 55 records · Page 3

Time-dependent jet flow and noise computations

Methods for computing jet turbulence noise based on the time-dependent solution of Lighthill's (1952) differential equation are demonstrated. A key element in this approach is a flow code for solving the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations at relatively high Reynolds numbers. Jet flow results at Re = 10,000 are presented here. This code combines a computationally efficient spectral element technique and a new self-consistent turbulence subgrid model to supply values for Lighthill's turbulence noise source tensor.

Berman, C. H.↗

Sound separation probes for flowing duct noise measurements

In order to understand the propagation of broadband sound from a device such as a jet engine, it is necessary to make fluctuating pressure measurements in the ducted airstream. However, in a flowing duct, fluctuating pressure energy can be due to both turbulence and sound travelling in the duct. By using the principal that sound waves and turbulent flow pressure perturbations travel at different velocities, a probe has been developed that provides the data necessary to separate the energy due to sound from that due to turbulence. A mini-computer based FFT analysis of the probe measurements provides the overall level of the broadband sound in the duct as well as the spectral distribution of the sound energy.

Moore, M. T.↗

Effect of rod gap spacing on a suction panel for laminar flow and noise control in supersonic wind tunnels

Results are presented of a coordinated experimental and theoretical study of a sound shield concept which aims to provide a means of noise reduction in the test section of supersonic wind tunnels at high Reynolds numbers. The model used consists of a planar array of circular rods aligned with the flow, with adjustable gaps between them for boundary layer removal by suction, i.e., laminar flow control. One of the basic requirements of the present sound shield concept is to achieve sonic cross flow through the gaps in order to prevent lee-side flow disturbances from penetrating back into the shielded region. Tests were conducted at Mach 6 over a local unit Reynolds number range from about 1.2 x 10 to the 6th power to 13.5 x 10 to the 6th power per foot. Measurements of heat transfer, static pressure, and sound levels were made to establish the transition characteristics of the boundary layer on the rod array and the sound shielding effectiveness.

Harvey, W. D.↗

Sound radiation from single and annular stream nozzles, with modal decomposition of in-duct acoustic power

An experimental program was carried out to study the acoustic characteristics of single and annular stream duct-nozzle systems at various flow conditions by using a refined acoustic impulse technique. In this technique, signal synthesis and signal averaging processes are incorporated to generate a desired impulsive signal from acoustic driver(s) and to eliminate background noise (flow noise) from in-duct and far field signals, respectively. The contribution of higher order modes to incident reflected and transmitted acoustic powers is accounted for by using a modal decomposition process. The annular stream terminations were tested statically at various annular stream flow velocities with no inner stream flow. The results derived from the experiments include in-duct acoustic powers, termination reflection coefficients, transmission coefficients, far field power, and acoustic dissipation.

Salikuddin, M.↗

Active Flow Effectors for Noise and Separation Control

New flow effector technology for separation control and enhanced mixing is based upon shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) technology. The technology allows for variable shape control of aircraft structures through actively deformable surfaces. The flow effectors are made by embedding shape memory alloy actuator material in a composite structure. When thermally actuated, the flow effector def1ects into or out of the flow in a prescribed manner to enhance mixing or induce separation for a variety of applications, including aeroacoustic noise reduction, drag reduction, and f1ight control. The active flow effectors were developed for noise reduction as an alternative to fixed-configuration effectors, such as static chevrons, that cannot be optimized for airframe installation effects or variable operating conditions and cannot be retracted for off-design or fail-safe conditions. Benefits include: Increased vehicle control, overall efficiency, and reduced noise throughout all f1ight regimes, Reduced flow noise, Reduced drag, Simplicity of design and fabrication, Simplicity of control through direct current stimulation, autonomous re sponse to environmental heating, fast re sponse, and a high degree of geometric stability. The concept involves embedding prestrained SMA actuators on one side of the chevron neutral axis in order to generate a thermal moment and def1ect the structure out of plane when heated. The force developed in the host structure during def1ection and the aerodynamic load is used for returning the structure to the retracted position. The chevron design is highly scalable and versatile, and easily affords active and/or autonomous (environmental) control. The technology offers wide-ranging market applications, including aerospace, automotive, and any application that requires flow separation or noise control.

Turner, Travis L.↗

Acoustic Survey of a 3/8-Scale Automotive Wind Tunnel

An acoustic survey that consists of insertion loss and flow noise measurements was conducted at key locations around the circuit of a 3/8-scale automotive acoustic wind tunnel. Descriptions of the test, the instrumentation, and the wind tunnel facility are included in the current report, along with data obtained in the test in the form of 1/3-octave-band insertion loss and narrowband flow noise spectral data.

Booth, Earl R., Jr.↗

An Autonomous Sensor System Architecture for Active Flow and Noise Control Feedback

Multi-channel sensor fusion represents a powerful technique to simply and efficiently extract information from complex phenomena. While the technique has traditionally been used for military target tracking and situational awareness, a study has been successfully completed that demonstrates that sensor fusion can be applied equally well to aerodynamic applications. A prototype autonomous hardware processor was successfully designed and used to detect in real-time the two-dimensional flow reattachment location generated by a simple separated-flow wind tunnel model. The success of this demonstration illustrates the feasibility of using autonomous sensor processing architectures to enhance flow control feedback signal generation.

Humphreys, William M, Jr.↗

Refinement and application of acoustic impulse technique to study nozzle transmission characteristics

An improved acoustic impulse technique was developed and was used to study the transmission characteristics of duct/nozzle systems. To accomplish the above objective, various problems associated with the existing spark-discharge impulse technique were first studied. These included (1) the nonlinear behavior of high intensity pulses, (2) the contamination of the signal with flow noise, (3) low signal-to-noise ratio at high exhaust velocities, and (4) the inability to control or shape the signal generated by the source, specially when multiple spark points were used as the source. The first step to resolve these problems was the replacement of the spark-discharge source with electroacoustic driver(s). These included (1) synthesizing on acoustic impulse with acoustic driver(s) to control and shape the output signal, (2) time domain signal averaging to remove flow noise from the contaminated signal, (3) signal editing to remove unwanted portions of the time history, (4) spectral averaging, and (5) numerical smoothing. The acoustic power measurement technique was improved by taking multiple induct measurements and by a modal decomposition process to account for the contribution of higher order modes in the power computation. The improved acoustic impulse technique was then validated by comparing the results derived by an impedance tube method. The mechanism of acoustic power loss, that occurs when sound is transmitted through nozzle terminations, was investigated. Finally, the refined impulse technique was applied to obtain more accurate results for the acoustic transmission characteristics of a conical nozzle and a multi-lobe multi-tube supressor nozzle.

Salikuddin, M.↗

Influence of blade characteristics on axial flow compressor noise

This experimental study was initiated as a result of earlier theoretical work which found that changes in the spanwise circulation distribution can have a significant influence on noise generation for the single rotor and for rotor-stator combinations. The experimental results presented here clearly show that the rotor noise, and especially the rotor-stator interaction noise, is affected by the type of radial loading, i.e., type of twist. Other blade parameters tested for their influence on far-field noise include rotor solidity, spacing between rotor and stator for twisted and untwisted blades, blade thickness, and stator chord length; radial effects on cutoff were also investigated.

Lumsdaine, E.↗

Flow-generated noise in ducts

A turbulent jet was used to excite high order acoustic modes in a rectangular duct. The measured pressure spectra exhibited asymmetric singularities (pressure spikes) at the cutoff frequencies of the first few transverse modes. In the high frequency limit, where the number of propagating modes is large, the spectra resembles free space jet spectra. The spectra in these limits are determined by the acoustic response of the duct. A linear theoretical analysis, based on an isotropic model of the turbulent fluctuations, is developed to predict this spectra.

Succi, G. P.↗

Mean flow and noise measurements in a Mach 3.5 pilot quiet tunnel

The use of Mach 3.5 two-dimensional rapid expansion nozzle for wind tunnel testing at supersonic speeds and low noise conditions encountered in high altitude flights is described. The supersonic pilot quiet tunnel is located at the NASA Langley Research Center and a description of the facility is provided, along with instrumentation and noise measurement test data at 30, 50, and 75 psia. The mean pitot pressure distributions, rms noise levels, the effect of unit Reynolds number, wall waviness, wall contaminants, and the effects of closing the bleed valve are analyzed. Typical laminar and turbulent spectra are presented, along with a summary of the effect of slot throat adjustment on the power spectra. Comparisons are made of the power spectra with the bleed valve open and closed, and of the rms fluctuating pressures with levels from conventional nozzles, and the performance capabilities are evaluated for use in transition studies.

Beckwith, I. E.↗

Workshop on Jet Exhaust Noise Reduction for Tactical Aircraft - NASA Perspective

Jet noise from supersonic, high performance aircraft is a significant problem for takeoff and landing operations near air bases and aircraft carriers. As newer aircraft with higher thrust and performance are introduced, the noise tends to increase due to higher jet exhaust velocities. Jet noise has been a subject of research for over 55 years. Commercial subsonic aircraft benefit from changes to the engine cycle that reduce the exhaust velocities and result in significant noise reduction. Most of the research programs over the past few decades have concentrated on commercial aircraft. Progress has been made by introducing new engines with design features that reduce the noise. NASA has recently started a new program called "Fundamental Aeronautics" where three projects (subsonic fixed wing, subsonic rotary wing, and supersonics) address aircraft noise. For the supersonics project, a primary goal is to understand the underlying physics associated with jet noise so that improved noise prediction tools and noise reduction methods can be developed for a wide range of applications. Highlights from the supersonics project are presented including prediction methods for broadband shock noise, flow measurement methods, and noise reduction methods. Realistic expectations are presented based on past history that indicates significant jet noise reduction cannot be achieved without major changes to the engine cycle. NASA s past experience shows a few EPNdB (effective perceived noise level in decibels) can be achieved using low noise design features such as chevron nozzles. Minimal thrust loss can be expected with these nozzles (< 0.5%) and they may be retrofitted on existing engines. In the long term, it is desirable to use variable cycle engines that can be optimized for lower jet noise during takeoff operations and higher thrust for operational performance. It is also suggested that noise experts be included early in the design process for engine nozzle systems to participate in decisions that may impact the jet noise.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Predictions of LAGOON Nose Landing Gear Flow and Noise Using Wall-Modeled Large-Eddy Simulations

Wall-modeled large-eddy simulations (WMLESs) of the LAGOON nose landing gear are conducted with compressible Navier–Stokes equations and immersed boundary technique using the Launch, Ascent, and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) framework. The simulations are conducted using six different Cartesian octree meshes for the grid sensitivity analysis of the near-field and far-field numerical predictions, where the far-field noise results are computed with the Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings acoustic analogy. The effects of numerical tripping induced at the exact locations of the tripping devices in the experiments are also examined. In general, better comparison with the experimental results are shown for the the near-field results obtained with the simulations under the effects of numerical tripping. The effects of tripping are not significant on the far-field noise calculations and the results have reasonable comparison with the experimental data in the low and medium frequency ranges when an impermeable formulation of the acoustic analogy is used.

CST↗

Noise generated by impingement of turbulent flow on airfoils of varied chord, cylinders, and other flow obstructions

Noise spectra were measured in three dimensions for several surfaces immersed in turbulent flow from a jet and over a range of flow conditions. The data are free field and were corrected to remove the small contributions of jet noise, atmospheric attenuation and feedback tones. These broadband data were compared with the results of available theories which are only strictly applicable to simple geometries over a limited range of conditions. The available theories proved to be accurate over the range of flow, chord length, thickness, angle of attack, and surface geometries defined by the experiments. These results apply to the noise generated by fixed surfaces in engine passages, the lifting surfaces of aircraft and also to fan noise.

Olsen, W. A.↗

Noise generated by impingement of turbulent flow on airfoils of varied chord, cylinders, and other flow obstructions

Noise spectra were measured in three dimensions for several surfaces immersed in turbulent flow from a jet and over a range of flow conditions. The data are free field and were corrected to remove the small contributions of jet noise, atmospheric attenuation and feedback tones. These broadband data were compared with the results of available theories which are only strictly applicable to simple geometries over a limited range of conditions. The available theories proved to be accurate over the range of flow, chord length, thickness, angle of attack, and surface geometries defined by the experiments. These results apply to the noise generated by fixed surfaces in engine passages, the lifting surfaces of aircraft and also to fan noise.

Olsen, W. A.↗

AST Critical Propulsion and Noise Reduction Technologies for Future Commercial Subsonic Engines: Separate-Flow Exhaust System Noise Reduction Concept Evaluation

This report describes the work performed by General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) and Allison Engine Company (AEC) on NASA Contract NAS3-27720 AoI 14.3. The objective of this contract was to generate quality jet noise acoustic data for separate-flow nozzle models and to design and verify new jet-noise-reduction concepts over a range of simulated engine cycles and flight conditions. Five baseline axisymmetric separate-flow nozzle models having bypass ratios of five and eight with internal and external plugs and 11 different mixing-enhancer model nozzles (including chevrons, vortex-generator doublets, and a tongue mixer) were designed and tested in model scale. Using available core and fan nozzle hardware in various combinations, 28 GEAE/AEC separate-flow nozzle/mixing-enhancer configurations were acoustically evaluated in the NASA Glenn Research Center Aeroacoustic and Propulsion Laboratory. This report describes model nozzle features, facility and data acquisition/reduction procedures, the test matrix, and measured acoustic data analyses. A number of tested core and fan mixing enhancer devices and combinations of devices gave significant jet noise reduction relative to separate-flow baseline nozzles. Inward-flip and alternating-flip core chevrons combined with a straight-chevron fan nozzle exceeded the NASA stretch goal of 3 EPNdB jet noise reduction at typical sideline certification conditions.

Janardan, B. A.↗