Semi-empirical prediction of tone noise due to counter-rotating open rotors
Counter-rotating open rotors (CROR) were extensively studied to power medium-size aircraft in the 80s aft er the first increases in fuel costs. Indeed, their efficiency i s greater than that of turbofans and of single prop fans. They have again become a topical subject due to the new incre ase of fuel costs and to the risk of oil shortage. They however raise a serious acoustic issue because noise is gen erated by the two rotors and by their interactions, and due to the lack of any shielding nacelle. An original and fast semi-empirical method is proposed to predict radia ted sound levels. The objective is to rapidly assess if certification rules can be fulfilled, and to estimate the possib le impact of a future fleet on noise contours around airports. This work is thus focused on takeoff and approach conditions (advancing Mach number lower than 0.3). It is shown that direc tivity of a tone is mainly determined by a Bessel fu nction, and a parabolic pattern is suggested for overall sound pr essure levels. The shape of third-octave spectra is based on the large number of interaction tones which are present in each frequency band. Finally, some information is given on overall sound levels.
Approximate Method for the Prediction of Propeller Noise Near-Field Effects
An approximate frequency-domain method is described for predicting the near-field noise levels generated by a high-speed propeller; a near-field to far-field transfer function is defined, and estimated by way of a point force approximation and asymptotic techniques. The transfer function can then be quickly and easily applied to correct existing far-field prediction schemes for near-field effects, representing a considerable simplification over existing frequency-domain methods, as well as providing explicit scaling laws and design information. The method is valid across the whole range of propeller operating conditions (for both single-rotation and centrarotation systems), and its accuracy is demonstrated at each stage by comparison with experimental data.
Suppressed Light Emission of the Reaction Zone in Detonation
THE detonation of high explosives in water can be photographed with an open camera and a flash light as the explosive gases do not emit light. The method has been used1 to investigate the spread of shock waves and explosive gases, and to investigate the initiation by shock waves2. We have found that it can be used also in certain gases such as butane and propane. The method is not suitable, on the other hand, for explosives with two levels of detonation velocity in the case of low velocity. A great part of the reaction then occurs after the reaction zone has passed and the expanding explosive gases are very luminous even in water.