SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “noise levels”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 127 records · Page 7

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1985

A community survey of helicopter noise annoyance conducted under controlled noise exposure conditions

Reactions to low numbers of helicopter noise events (less than 50 per day) were studied in a community setting. Community residents were repeatedly interviewed about daily noise annoyance reactions on days when helicopter noise exposures were, without the residents' knowledge, controlled. The effects of maximum noise level and number of noise events on helicopter noise annoyance are consistent with the principles contained in LEQ-based noise indices. The effect of the duration of noise events is also consistent with LEQ-based indices. After removing the effect of differences in noise levels (LEQ) there is not an important difference between reactions to impulsive and nonimpulsive types of helicopters. EPNL, where corrected for number of overflights, and LEQ are approximately equally successful in representing the characteristics of noise which are related to human response. The new type of design provided estimates of the parameters in a noise reaction model which would not obtained with a similar degree of precision from conventional study designs.

Fields, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Measured and predicted noise of the Avco-Lycoming YF-102 turbofan noise

Acoustic testing of the AVCO-Lycoming YF-102 turbofan engine was done on a static test stand in support of the quiet short-haul research aircraft acoustic design. Overall noise levels were dominated by the fan noise emanating from the exhaust duct, except at high power settings when combination tones were generated in the fan inlet. Component noise levels, calculated by noise prediction methods were in reasonable agreement with the measured results. Far-field microphones placed at ground level were found superior to those at engine centerline height, even at high frequencies.

Clark, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Measured and predicted noise of the AVCO-Lycoming YF-102 turbofan engine

Acoustic testing of the AVCO-Lycoming YF-102 turbofan engine was done on a static test stand at Lewis Research Center in support of the Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) acoustic design. Overall noise levels are dominated by the fan noise emanating from the exhaust duct, except at high power settings when combination tones are generated in the fan inlet. Component noise levels, calculated by noise prediction methods developed at Lewis Research Center for the ANOP program, are in reasonable agreement with the measured results. Far-field microphones placed at ground level were found superior to those at engine centerline height, even at high frequencies.

Clark, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Study of unconventional propulsion system concepts for use in a long range transport

The noise level of an uncoventional propulsion system for the next generation of subsonic, long-range transport aircraft is discussed. The desired noise level may be achieved by: (1) a fixed geometry, high bypass ratio turbofan with a geared two-stage fan and advanced acoustic treatment or (2) a moderate bypass ratio turbofan with a variable pitch two-stage fan, variable primary and duct nozzles, and advanced acoustic treatment. The geared fan system meets the noise goal with minimum economic penalty. Comparison of the noise levels at takeoff and landing in combination with the economic penalties required to achieve the lower noise levels at specific noise measuring stations, indicate that both area reduction and current certification prodedures should be used to ascertain the point of diminishing returns in establishing future noise goals.

Champagne, G. A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulated X-59 on- and off-Design Sonic Boom Levels in Realistic Atmospheres for Noise Dose Range Estimation

NASA is planning several community noise surveys across the USA using the X-59 low-boom aircraft. These surveys require a range of noise levels to resolve a dose-response relationship. The X-59 was designed to produce a shaped sonic boom with a Stevens’ Perceived Level (PL) of 75 dB or less across the boom carpet in a standard atmosphere. However, the X-59’s flight condition can be adjusted to produce levels other than 75 PLdB to obtain a range of doses during community testing. Simulated nearfield pressure waveforms of the X-59 C612A in its on-design condition (Mach 1.4 at 53,200 ft) and an off-design condition at a lower altitude (Mach 1.4 at 46,000 ft) were propagated using PCBoom through realistic atmospheres over the span of one year at several locations across the country. The predicted on-design and off-design boom levels and carpet widths are presented, resulting in a preliminary estimate of the dose range that the X-59 may produce. Future work is planned with additional off-design conditions to assess the true capable dose range of the X-59.

X-59↗

NASA NTRS1992

Advanced takeoff procedures for high-speed civil transport community noise reduction

Advanced takeoff procedures were developed for a Mach 2.62 high-speed civil transport configuration (HSCT) equipped with turbine bypass engines, with the goal of reducing the takeoff noise levels for certification to FAR 36, Stage 3 noise levels. The detailed takeoff and landing module for the Flight Optimizations System (FLOPS) computer program was used to generate takeoff profiles. All takeoff procedures were constrained to meet a FAR takeoff field length of 11,000 feet, as well as the minimum required engine-out climb gradients for each airbome segment. Aircraft noise levels at the FAR 36 certification points were calculated using the Aircraft Noise Prediction Program (ANOPP). The study showed that using advanced takeoff procedures in noise certification could result in a 2.25 dB reduction in the amount of noise suppression required to certify this configuration for Stage 3 noise limits. Advanced procedures also resulted in an 8 percent reduction in the 100 EPNdB noise footprint area compared to basic FAR 36 takeoff procedures. In addition, improvements in the lift-to-drag ratio using high-lift devices were shown to produce 1.81 dB more noise reduction when used in combination with advanced takeoff procedures.

Olson, E. D.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Propulsion system sizing for powered lift and mechanical flap quiet aircraft

A method of propulsion system sizing for mechanical flap and externally blown flap aircraft is demonstrated. Included in this study is the effect of various levels of noise suppression on the aircraft final design characteristics. Both aircraft are sized to operate from a 3000-ft runway and perform the same mission. For each aircraft concept, propulsion system sizing is demonstrated for two different engine cycles - one having a fan pressure ratio of 1.5 and a bypass ratio of 9 and the other having a fan pressure ratio of 1.25 and a bypass ratio of 17.8. The results presented include the required thrust to weight ratio and wing loading and the resulting gross weight and direct operating costs as functions of the engine noise level for each of the four combinations of engine cycles and aircraft concepts.

Bowles, J. V.↗

NASA NTRS1975

A study of helicopter interior noise reduction

The interior noise levels of existing helicopters are discussed along with an ongoing experimental program directed towards reducing these levels. Results of several noise and vibration measurements on Langley Research Center's Civil Helicopter Research Aircraft are presented, including measurements taken before and after installation of an acoustically-treated cabin. The predominant noise source in this helicopter is the first stage planetary gear-clash in the main gear box, both before and after installation of the acoustically treated cabin. Noise reductions of up to 20 db in some octave bands may be required in order to obtain interior noise levels comparable to commercial jet transports.

Howlett, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Application of powered lift and mechanical flap concepts for civil short-haul transport aircraft design

The objective of this paper is to determine various design and performance parameters, including wing loading and thrust loading requirements, for powered-lift and mechanical flap conceptual aircraft constrained by field length and community noise impact. Mission block fuel and direct operating costs (DOC) were found for optimum designs. As a baseline, the design and performance parameters were determined for the aircraft using engines without noise suppression. The constraint of the 90 EPNL noise contour being less than 2.6 sq km (1.0 sq mi) in area was then imposed. The results indicate that for both aircraft concepts the design gross weight, DOC, and required mission block fuel decreased with field length. At field lengths less than 1100 m (3600 ft) the powered lift aircraft had lower DOC and block fuel than the mechanical flap aircraft but produced higher unsuppressed noise levels. The noise goal could easily be achieved with nacelle wall treatment only and thus resulted in little or no performance or weight penalty for all studied aircraft.

Conlon, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Noise transmission into a light aircraft

An analytical study on noise transmission into a cabin of a twin engine G/A aircraft is presented. The solution of the governing acoustic-structural equations of motion is developed utilizing modal expansions and a Galerkin type procedure. The exterior noise pressure inputs are taken from available experimental data. A direct comparison between theory and experiments on cabin noise levels is given. Interior noise reduction by stiffening, mass addition, and damping treatments is investigated. It is shown that a combination of added mass and damping could significantly reduce interior noise levels for this aircraft.

Vaicaitis, R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Lateral Attenuation of High-By-Pass Ratio Engined Aircraft Noise

A flight experiment was conducted to investigate the lateral attenuation of high by pass ratio engined airplanes. A B-747 was flown at low altitudes over the ends of two microphone arrays. One array covering a lateral distance of 1600 m consisted of 14 microphones positioned over grass. The second array covered a lateral distance of 1200 m and consisted of 6 microphones positioned over a concrete runway. Sixteen runs were flown at altitudes ranging from 30 to 960 m. The acoustic information recorded in the field was reduced to one third octave band spectral time histories and synchronized with tracking and weather information. Lateral attenuation as a function of elevation angle was calculated in overall, A-weighted, tone-corrected perceived noise level, and effective perceived noise level units. The B-747 results are compared with similar results for a turbojet-powered T-38 airplane and the SAE recommended lateral attenuation prediction procedure. Less lateral attenuation was measured for the B-747 than for the T-38. The B-747 lateral attenuation values also fell below the SAE curve.

Willshire, W. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Analyzing the Broken Ridge area of the Indian Ocean using magnetic and gravity anomaly maps and geoid undulation and bathymetry data

A higher resolution anomaly map of the Broken Ridge area (2 degree dipole spacing) was produced and reduced to the pole using quiet time data for this area. The map was compared with equally scaled maps of gravity anomaly, geoid undulation, and bathymetry. The ESMAP results were compared with a NASA MAGSAT map derived by averaging data in two-degree bins. A survey simulation was developed to model the accuracy of MAGSAT anomaly maps as a function of satellite altitude, instrument noise level, external noise model, and crustal anomaly field model. A preliminary analysis of the geophysical structure of Broken Ridge is presented and unresolved questions are listed.

Lazarewicz, A. R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

FAA/NASA En Route Noise Symposium

Aircraft community noise annoyance is traditionally a concern only in localities near airports. The proposed introduction of large commercial airplanes with advanced turboprop propulsion systems with supersonic propellers has given rise to concerns of noise annoyance in areas previously considered not to be impacted by aircraft noise. A symposium was held to assess the current knowledge of factors important to the impact of en route noise and to aid in the formulation of FAA and NASA programs in the area. Papers were invited on human response to aircraft noise in areas with low ambient noise levels, aircraft noise heard indoors and outdoors, aircraft noise in recreational areas, detection of propeller and jet aircraft noise, and methodological issues relevant to the design of future studies.

Powell, Clemans A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

On the scaling of small-scale jet noise to large scale

An examination was made of several published jet noise studies for the purpose of evaluating scale effects important to the simulation of jet aeroacoustics. Several studies confirmed that small conical jets, one as small as 59 mm diameter, could be used to correctly simulate the overall or perceived noise level (PNL) noise of large jets dominated by mixing noise. However, the detailed acoustic spectra of large jets are more difficult to simulate because of the lack of broad-band turbulence spectra in small jets. One study indicated that a jet Reynolds number of 5 x 10(exp 6) based on exhaust diameter enabled the generation of broad-band noise representative of large jet mixing noise. Jet suppressor aeroacoustics is even more difficult to simulate at small scale because of the small mixer nozzles with flows sensitive to Reynolds number. Likewise, one study showed incorrect ejector mixing and entrainment using a small-scale, short ejector that led to poor acoustic scaling. Conversely, fairly good results were found with a longer ejector and, in a different study, with a 32-chute suppressor nozzle. Finally, it was found that small-scale aeroacoustic resonance produced by jets impacting ground boards does not reproduce at large scale.

Soderman, Paul T.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Drag Prediction and Transition in Hypersonic Flow

This paper discusses progress on issues such as instability studies, nose-bluntness and angle-of-attack effects, and leading-edge-contamination problems from theoretical, computational, and experimental points of view. Also included is a review of wind-tunnel and flight data, including high-Re flight transition data, the levels of noise in flight and in wind tunnels, and how noise levels can affect parametric trends. A review of work done on drag accounting and the role of viscous drag for hypersonic vehicles is also provided.

Reed, Helen L.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Filtering in Hybrid Dynamic Bayesian Networks

We implement a 2-time slice dynamic Bayesian network (2T-DBN) framework and make a 1-D state estimation simulation, an extension of the experiment in (v.d. Merwe et al., 2000) and compare different filtering techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrate experimentally that inference in a complex hybrid DBN is possible by simulating fault detection in a watertank system, an extension of the experiment in (Koller & Lerner, 2000) using a hybrid 2T-DBN. In both experiments, we perform approximate inference using standard filtering techniques, Monte Carlo methods and combinations of these. In the watertank simulation, we also demonstrate the use of 'non-strict' Rao-Blackwellisation. We show that the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and UKF in a particle filtering framework outperform the generic particle filter, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and EKF in a particle filtering framework with respect to accuracy in terms of estimation RMSE and sensitivity with respect to choice of network structure. Especially we demonstrate the superiority of UKF in a PF framework when our beliefs of how data was generated are wrong. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of data noise in the watertank simulation using UKF and PFUKD and show that the algorithms are more sensitive to changes in the measurement noise level that the process noise level. Theory and implementation is based on (v.d. Merwe et al., 2000).

Andersen, Morten Nonboe↗

NASA NTRS2004

Modular Engine Noise Component Prediction System (MCP) Program Users' Guide

This is a user's manual for Modular Engine Noise Component Prediction System (MCP). This computer code allows the user to predict turbofan engine noise estimates. The program is based on an empirical procedure that has evolved over many years at The Boeing Company. The data used to develop the procedure include both full-scale engine data and small-scale model data, and include testing done by Boeing, by the engine manufacturers, and by NASA. In order to generate a noise estimate, the user specifies the appropriate engine properties (including both geometry and performance parameters), the microphone locations, the atmospheric conditions, and certain data processing options. The version of the program described here allows the user to predict three components: inlet-radiated fan noise, aft-radiated fan noise, and jet noise. MCP predicts one-third octave band noise levels over the frequency range of 50 to 10,000 Hertz. It also calculates overall sound pressure levels and certain subjective noise metrics (e.g., perceived noise levels).

Golub, Robert A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Smart Structures for Vibration Control on Long-Term Space Exploration and Habitation Missions

The current vision for space exploration focuses on human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. To support these goals, it is certain that new vehicles and intermediate bases will be developed, whether that means simply re-direction of the ISS as a "mission research facility" or construction of a lunar base. Since these facilities are expected to be constructed from inherently light-weight materials, this work examines some of the potential sources of vibration and noise as well as means for controlling these vibrations. Many of the operating components within these facilities, such as pumps, fans, and motors, will produce vibrations during operation. These vibrations become structure in which they are housed. Resonances can impact acoustic noise levels and noise quality within the environment, possibly affecting crew health and productivity. For long-term missions in particular, it is expected that crew members will spend significant portions of their time restrained in the structure, such as in seats. As a result, the general health and well-being of the crew can be improved by limiting the harmful effects of human exposure to long-term audible and tactile vibration input. Besides the human factor, this work also examines some operational considerations in which vibrations play an important role. Vibrations can impact the environment for science and in-situ manufacturing research within these vehicles. Since a benign vibratory environment is beneficial for most types of science experiments, there is a need for various forms of vibration control. Because the operational characteristics of a vehicle can change during a long-term mission, it is further expected that the characteristics of many of the vibratory excitations will change with time. Consequently, the form of vibration control needed to improve overall habitability and usefulness of the vehicle or element for exploration missions will rely to some degree on the vibration control system's ability to adapt. To address these needs, this work also examines the development and use of smart materials to tune the dynamic characteristics of the structure in a passive sense. One prime example is the use of an adaptive electrical shunt connected to a piezoelectric patch in order to provide tuned passive vibration damping. The work also examines the use of active vibration control, such as by applying power to that same piezoelectric patch. The overall goal is to examine the use of smart structures that can react to the environment thereby improving the overall living, working, and learning environment for these long-term missions.

Gattis, Christy B.↗