FLULA2: Aircraft noise prediction and measurements

Abstract

Aircraft noise predictions of the program FLULA2 are compared with airport noise monitor measurements and with single flight events. Further, the versatility of using a point source model for simulation is discussed and the implications of accurate noise predictions on land use planning are outlined. The aircraft noise simulation program FLULA2, developed at EMPA, uses a point source with a directivity characteristic in contrast to many other models which use line segments and correction terms. With the powerful model of a moving point source, the level-time history of a single flight can be reconstructed. Thus all acoustic effects (topography, spectral air absorption, ground effects,...) may be included and any noise metrics can be calculated. The program is validated by comparing single events (the level-time history of measurements and of calculations) and by comparing the yearly average of measurements at monitoring stations around airports with the Leq predictions. There are variations, but there is no systematic under- or overestimation of the noise calculations compared with the monitors.