Validation of a Semiempirical Airframe Noise Prediction Method through Dedicated A319 Flyover Noise Measurements

Abstract

To counter balance the detrimental effect on aircraft noise around airports due to the continuous increase in air-traffic, measures for aircraft source noise reduction must be taken. In contrast to a full power take-off, where such efforts must be directed towards a reduction of engine noise levels, for the final approach phase airframe noise sources are the dominating contributors to the overall noise signature and thus need to be tackled. Within a joint effort between DLR and Deutsche Lufthansa AG flyover noise tests were conducted on an Airbus A319 aircraft to determine its airframe noise radiation characteristics and to validate airframe source noise prediction models as derived from wind tunnel experiments. Flight tests were performed with the high lift devices in their baseline configuration and with some modifications at the slat-tracks and flap side-edges to avoid excessive flow noise generation at structural details of real aircraft components. For this "low noise" aircraft configuration flyover airframe noise data compare well with airframe noise data as acquired within different wind tunnel studies both on a complete A320 scale model aircraft and on a full-scale A320 wing section.