Auralization of Hybrid Wing–Body Aircraft Flyover Noise from System Noise Predictions

Abstract

System noise assessments of a state-of-the-art reference aircraft (similar to a Boeing 777-200ER with GE90-like turbofan engines) and several hybrid wing–body aircraft configurations were recently performed using NASA engine and aircraft system analysis tools. The hybrid wing–body aircraft were sized to an equivalent mission as the reference aircraft and assessments were performed using measurements of airframe shielding from a series of propulsion airframe aeroacoustic experiments. The focus of this work is to auralize flyover noise from the reference aircraft and the best hybrid wing–body configuration using source noise predictions and shielding data based largely on the earlier assessments. Here, auralization refers to the process by which numerical predictions are converted into audible pressure time histories. It entails synthesis of the source noise and propagation of that noise to a receiver on the ground. For each aircraft, three flyover conditions are auralized. These correspond to approach, sideline, and cutback operating states, but flown in straight and level flight trajectories. The auralizations are performed using synthesis and simulation tools developed at NASA. Audio and visual presentations are provided to allow the reader to experience the flyover from the perspective of a listener in the simulated environment.