Acoustic Modeling of Rocket Payload Bays within Launch Fairings

Abstract

Acoustic shielding treatments are necessary to prevent damage to the payload during launch. This paper discusses three modeling approaches used to analyze the efficacy of such treatments. Results from acoustic modeling studies using a finite element model (FEM), an analytical approach and experimental testing are presented here. Payload bay pressure distributions and frequency responses are developed using simple two dimensional scale models. The two dimensional finite element models are developed first to demonstrate agreement with published results and analytical predictions. They also show the potential for three dimensional full scale finite element modeling.