Study of lateral attenuation for aircraft noise modeling based on field measurements near the airport

Abstract

It is essential to appropriately evaluate effects of lateral attenuation in predicting aircraft noise at the side of flight path near the airport. About fifteen years ago, we examined the validity of existing equations of lateral attenuation, but noise characteristics of aircraft and engines have changed very much. Especially, in case of horizontal sound propagation over ground such as aircraft rolling on the runway, it is necessary to take into account that meteorological conditions may strongly affect lateral attenuation. Thus, we carried out field measurements of aircraft noise repeatedly on the side of runway at several airports including Narita Airport and examined the actual situation of lateral attenuation. As a result, it was found that lateral attenuation greatly changes dependent on meteorological conditions and that calculations from existing equations of lateral attenuation did not match measurements of lateral attenuation. Additionally, considering actual situation of land use around the airp...