Towards More Efficient Comprehensive Rotor Noise Simulation

Rotorcraft design and optimization currently still rely largely on simplified (low-fidelity) models, such as rotor disk or wake models to reduce the turn-around time and allow exploration of a large parameter space. On the other hand, accurate noise prediction requires first principle, high fidelity simulations to capture small scales, highly unsteady aerodynamic sources of noise. This forces us to resort to component-wise acoustics computations, ignoring the fact that different components in the system affect each other in generating noise. The objective of this proposal is to develop high fidelity rotor noise simulation capabilities that allow multi-components noise prediction and exploration of a large parameter space inherent to design processes. The distinctive aspect of the present proposal is the use of a novel discretization method based on Adaptive Vorticity Confinement technique to counteract the numerical dissipation of the underlying spatial discretization scheme in a dynamic fashion. The concept has been proven successful in controlled flow setting, allowing direct comparison with analytical solution and laboratory experiment. The primary task in this project is to extend this concept to general flow and computational environment, focusing on Blade-Vortex Interaction noise prediction as initially targeted milestone.

Broader applications of the findings and products resulted from the proposed research project can be found in any engineering problems involving rotor dynamics, such as in maritime and wind-energy applications, and in any niche fluid dynamic problems where vortex generation, capturing, preservation during transport, and subsequent interaction with fluid or solid structures are essential, for instance noise prediction inside hard-disk drive.

The increase efficiency in rotor noise source computations due to the proposed adaptive algorithm to discretely conserve circulation will support NASA objectives regarding system noise prediction. It will enhance system capabilities that combine the components so that rotorcraft source noise and its propagation can be investigated with increase confidence for noise impact due to rotor design and/or rotorcraft operations and procedures. Our multi-code multi-physics flexible framework, CHIMPS, will enable plug and play of various tools with a range of fidelity. Further enhancement of this technology in the area of rotorcraft simulations is align with NASA vision in multidisciplinary predictive capabilities and in development and assessment of range of noise technologies and noise mitigation procedures

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.