Comparison of impulse noise energy distribution from two generations of parachute gun

Abstract

The rocket ejection seat is an advanced life-saving device for fighter pilots. However, it can also produce damaging impulse noise during ejection, which could compromise the pilot’s hearing health, and the manufacturer must assess the noise damage. This study uses Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) to analyze energy-instantaneous distribution over time and frequency-instantaneous and energy contribution of different modes of impulse noise generated by the parachute gun in two generations of rocket ejection seats. The results demonstrate considerable disparities in the energy distribution of impulse noise generated by the parachute gun in the new generation seat compared to the old generation seat. The new generation seat has higher overall energy, more concentrated action time, and a higher energy contribution in the 1-10 kHz frequency range. These findings provide valuable data for the design of the new generation of noise protection equipment for pilots.