Flyover Noise Measurements and Predictions of Commercial Airplanes

Abstract

A series of flyover noise measurements has been taken to gather data for noise prediction, analysis, and computer program validation. A selected database of measurements is presented for the Airbus A320-200, the Boeing B737-800, and the ATR72 (turboprop). The experimental setup, the microphone positions, the effect of background noise, and the atmospheric effects are presented. It is shown that landing measurements are generally coherent with one another, with consistent peaks in noise levels and uniform noise levels from the overhead position. In contrast, at takeoff, there are considerable variations in peak noise level, which are attributed to different takeoff procedures and gross weights. Comparisons with noise predicted using ray tracing are shown. These comparisons indicate that it is possible to predict with some accuracy the noise peaks, the rise and fall of overall sound level, and the integral noise metrics (effective perceived noise level and ).