Noise

DEN305
 Speed of Sound
a2 = γ RT

760 mph, 660 knot 340 m/s at sea level

 Sound Pressure Level
SPL measured in “bels”

SPL = log10 [ I /Iref ] = 2 log10 [P/Pref]

Pref = 2 x 10-5 Pa (hearing threshold)

 Sound Pressure Level
SPL measured in “decibels” (dB)

SPL = 20 log10 [P/Pref]

Pref = 2 x 10-5 Pa (hearing threshold)

 Sound Pressure Level
• Reference pressure SPL = 0 dB
• Speaking at 1m SPL = 60 dB
• Street noise SPL = 80 dB
• Turbojet at 0.3 n.miles SPL = 120 dB
• Saturn V rocket 2 n.miles SPL = 130 dB
 Effective Perceived Noise
Perceived noise: weighting factor added to
certain frequency range

Effective perceived noise: noise level takes

into account spikes in pressure that cause
annoyance

Measured in “EPNdB”
 Aviation Requirements
FAA Part 36 Phase 3 regulations

EPNdB limits imposed dependent on size of

aircraft: bigger aircraft are permitted to be noisier
Large aircraft at civil airports:
Take-off noise 114 EPNdB at 1 n.mile
Approach noise 115 EPNdB at 1 n.mile } Σ EpNdB
Sideline noise 111 EPNdB at 0.35 n.mile
 General aviation
VLA (less than 750 kg) < 55 dB (150 m flyover)
Light aircraft GTOM < 600 kg < 68 EPNdB 300 flyover
Light aircraft GTOM < 1500 kg < 80 EPNdB 300 m flyover

Helicopters < 75 dB at 300 m, < 81 dB at 150 m

(concessions for hospital helicopters)
 Origin of Noise
Airframe noise, turbulent separations and panel flutter

Engine Noise, vibration

Jet noise, shear flows: acoustic power increases as Vj8

Propellers: noisy especially when tip speed becomes

transonic
End