Numerical simulations of aerofoil tonal noise reduction by roughness elements

Abstract

In a combined experimental and numerical effort we investigate aerofoil tonal noise generation and reduction. The means of noise control are streak generators in form of cylindrical roughness elements. These elements are placed periodically along the span of aerofoil at the mid chord streamwise position. Experiments are performed for a wide range of Reynolds number and angle of attack. In the present work we concentrate on our numerical investigations. We have performed wall-resolved large-eddy simulations for a given angle of attack of 0 degree and Mach 0.3. Two Reynolds numbers 0.8 × 105 and 1.0 × 105 have been investigated, showing acoustic results consistent with experiments at the same Reynolds but lower Mach numbers. Roughness elements attenuate tones in the acoustic field, and, for the higher Reynolds number, suppress them. Through Fourier decomposition and POD analysis of streamwise velocity data, dominating structures have been identified. Further, the coupling between structures generated by surface roughness and instability modes (Kelvin-Helmholtz) of shear layer has been identified, suggesting stabilisation mechanisms by which the sound generation by the airfoil is reduced by the roughness elements.