Meteorological reanalysis data inputs for improved aircraft noise modeling

Abstract

In order to improve the prediction capabilities of aircraft noise modeling tools, recent work has focused on including measurements of the vertical structure of the inhomogeneous propagation environment. Meteorological reanalysis incorporates quality-controlled measurements from many sources into atmospheric models, which produce 4-D data fields describing the state of the atmosphere. In this work, reanalysis products are considered for use in the calculation of aircraft noise propagation from en-route and lower altitudes to the ground. Atmospheric profiles are extracted from the NCDC/UCAR Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and input to an acoustic raytracing model to demonstrate effects of realistic inhomogeneous atmospheric conditions throughout the propagation path. Results will be discussed, as well as practical and methodological considerations for data integration. The techniques demonstrated for this data set should also be applicable for other similar data sets, and thus may be useful in the future development of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT). [Work supported by the FAA. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASCENT FAA Center of Excellence sponsor organizations.]