NASA’s propulsion airframe aeroacoustics research

The integration of propulsion and airframe is a fundamental consideration in the design of an aircraft system. Many considerations influence the integration, such as structural, aerodynamic, and maintenance factors. In the future, a focus on the aerodynamic and acoustic interaction effects of installation, propulsion airframe aeroacoustics will become more important as noise reduction targets become more difficult to achieve. In addition to continued fundamental component reduction efforts, a system level approach that includes propulsion airframe aeroacoustics will be required in order to achieve the 20-dB noise reductions envisioned by the aggressive NASA goals. This emphasis on the aeroacoustics of propulsion airframe integration is a new part of NASA’s ongoing acoustics research. The presentation will review current efforts and highlight technical challenges and approaches.