Novel Methodology for the Rapid Acoustic Optimization of Supersonic Multi-Stream 3D Nozzles

Current noise prediction methods are ill-suited for the design of future nozzle geometries as they are either too computationally expensive or do not contain the necessary physics to adequately predict noise from desired nozzle types. As such, there is a need for innovative technologies and methods for noise prediction to enable acoustic optimization of multi-stream, 3D nozzle to meet the noise goals for NASA’s N+2/N+3 aircraft. We propose to extend the Reynold Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) based models developed at University of California, Irvine, that have been shown to accurately predict noise for nozzles 3D, multi-stream nozzles. Our proposed method will allow for accurate and rapid prediction of acoustic emission on engineering workstation-class computers, enabling design engineers to perform acoustic optimization while preserving aerodynamic performance. Our competent team has over 60 years of combined experience in jet noise and has the expertise to ensure that an accurate RANS-based noise model is developed by the end of Phase II along with a working acoustic optimization tool that is usable by engineers and compatible with NASA’s design framework.

The proposed design tool will be critical to the success of NASA’s ARMD focus area of “innovation in commercial supersonic aircraft” and help meet the goals of N+2 and N+3. This technology is directly relevant to NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicle Program. Incorporating our design methodology into NASA’s toolbelt will allow for the development of advanced nozzles relevant to supersonic commercial aircraft that can meet the noise requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Aircraft noise is also an issue for DoD aircraft. The Office of Naval Research has funded multiple projects under its Jet Noise Reduction (JNR) program to develop methodologies for noise reduction. Our proposed tool could certainly be of use to develop quieter DoD relevant nozzles that meet their desired mission criteria. In addition, the aerospace companies that will actually design and build future aircraft and engines will have a use for our proposed tool.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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