Adaptive Drainage Slots for Acoustic Noise Attenuation

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG) demonstrated feasibility in the reduction of noise attributed to drainage slots in jet engine acoustic liners. This was accomplished through the development of design rules for optimum slot design and concept development of the implementation of adaptive material technologies to control slot dimensions. CRG brought this technology to a technology readiness level (TRL) 2 after the Phase 1 effort and will bring a TRL 4 after the Phase 2 effort. The Phase 1 effort provided simulated data for the acoustic designer to start to understand and develop preliminary models on the effects of drainage slots to the liner's acoustic impedance characteristics. This data has provided justification to pursue adaptive solutions that will counteract the adverse effects of drainage slots through adaptive means. In Phase 2, CRG will refine the design, scale up fabrication, demonstrate a full-scale operationally relevant aircraft part, and analyze manufacturing costs as part of a comprehensive Technology Insertion Plan.

As locations in direct proximity to airports, both civilian and military, become more densely populated, noise pollution has become more of a concern for aircraft operators. Acoustic noise attenuation technologies apply directly to both government and commercial market segments, and more specifically to DoD and civil, commercial aviation applications that use gas turbine engines. Subsets of the technology also have direct application in maritime power-plants and stationary power generation equipment that use similar turbine engine configurations.

Supporting NASA's mission, this project's technologies directly address requirements for improvements in noise reduction, prediction, measurement methods and control for subsonic and supersonic vehicle systems including fan, jet, turbomachinery, and airframe noise sources. This project's technologies offer system level improvements in noise, emissions, and performance.

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.

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