Numerical validation of UAM propeller noise and impact of ground-effect
Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Michael Marques Goncalves, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Michael Marques Goncalves
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Anastasios Lyrintzis
Abstract
Aeroacoustics plays a crucial role in advancing propulsion technologies for both conventional and emerging aerial systems. This research focuses on rotor noise characterization in hover and ground effect using high-fidelity numerical simulations and theoretical analyses, aiming to develop effective noise mitigation strategies and improve predictive methodologies, particularly for eVTOL applications. While limited to a single rotor configuration, the study provides a foundational understanding of aeroacoustic behavior in multirotor systems within Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
As part of NASA’s University Leadership Initiative (ULI), this work integrates computational and experimental approaches to validate numerical methods for rotor noise prediction. High-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and aeroacoustic solvers are employed to analyze a scaled eVTOL propeller in hover and edgewise flight under both in-ground-effect (IGE) and out-of-ground-effect (OGE) conditions. Results indicate that ground reflections amplify lateral noise levels due to constructive interference, while observer locations significantly influence directivity patterns. Additionally, the study examines how wake interactions alter acoustic signatures when the rotor operates in close proximity to the ground.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Numerical validation of UAM propeller noise and impact of ground-effect
Aeroacoustics plays a crucial role in advancing propulsion technologies for both conventional and emerging aerial systems. This research focuses on rotor noise characterization in hover and ground effect using high-fidelity numerical simulations and theoretical analyses, aiming to develop effective noise mitigation strategies and improve predictive methodologies, particularly for eVTOL applications. While limited to a single rotor configuration, the study provides a foundational understanding of aeroacoustic behavior in multirotor systems within Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
As part of NASA’s University Leadership Initiative (ULI), this work integrates computational and experimental approaches to validate numerical methods for rotor noise prediction. High-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and aeroacoustic solvers are employed to analyze a scaled eVTOL propeller in hover and edgewise flight under both in-ground-effect (IGE) and out-of-ground-effect (OGE) conditions. Results indicate that ground reflections amplify lateral noise levels due to constructive interference, while observer locations significantly influence directivity patterns. Additionally, the study examines how wake interactions alter acoustic signatures when the rotor operates in close proximity to the ground.