Lou Sutherland—Contributions in aircraft noise

Abstract

Lou Sutherland has made pivotal contributions to the understanding of aircraft noise and its effects and to developing solutions for those problems. His work in noise effects ranges from the 707 aircraft prototype, the development of an engine noise suppressor for the B-52 to reduce sonic structural fatigue, to the Saturn rocket program. Lou’s interests have encompassed aircraft engine turbomachinery cascade acoustic resonances and the propagation of sound through the atmosphere. These contributions were made while Lou was a researcher first at Boeing and later at Wyle Labs, as Chief Scientist and Deputy Director of Research. His insights have led to creative solutions to reduce aircraft noise effects on structures and on humans. He served as President of INCE and as an Associate Editor of JASA. In 2002 Lou was awarded the Acoustical Society of America Silver Medal in Noise “For contributions to the solution of aerospace and community noise problems, and for studies of molecular absorption and classroom acoustics.” Most importantly, Lou has a terrific, infectious enthusiasm for all that he does, which is combined with a warm, generous spirit. Lou has provided kind and gentle leadership and guidance to many grateful beneficiaries over the years.