Development of a weather robust microphone configuration for sonic boom measurments

Abstract

This paper discusses ongoing development and testing of ground-based, weather-robust microphone measurement systems in conjunction with preparation for community testing of NASA's X-59 low-boom aircraft. Prior efforts [Anderson et al., Proc. Mtgs. Acoust. 42, 040005 (2022)] resulted in the refinement of a ground-plate setup by investigating varied windscreen and plate diameter and thickness. The most recent goal has been to make the setup more compact and easier to manufacture. This paper discusses the results of additional tests performed on updated designs meant to find the balance between compactness and performance. Anechoic chamber testing was performed to show ground plate and windscreen performance and to compared results against prior versions. Outdoor tests included measurements during different wind conditions and over different ground surfaces to examine low-frequency wind noise reduction and ground impedance effects. Results discussed during the presentation suggest the new design strikes an acceptable compromise between compactness, manufacturing ease and robustness, and performance. [Work supported by NASA Langley Research Center through Analytical Mechanics Associates]