High Lift Device Modifications for Reducing Airport Noise - A Review

Abstract

Aircraft noise has been one of the top environmental issues at and near airports across the country because of its negative impact on communities. The growth of the nation's air transportation system is restricted predominantly due to regulations on limiting aircraft noise generated around airports. Reducing aircraft noise will lead to wider community acceptance of new or larger airports, lower airline operating costs by reducing noise quota fees, and increase air traffic growth through operating more flights. One of the most significant contributors to aircraft noise, structural vibrations caused by air flow across its frame, are high lift devices. A review of high lift devices, such as flaps, and methods to reduce their noise levels will be presented. Solution reviews will focus on reducing flap trailing-edge scattering and flap side-edge vortices.