Advanced Measurement Technology for Airframe Noise Source Identification

The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2), in partnership with AVEC, Inc., proposes to develop advanced phased-array and dynamic pressure sensing instrumentation and processing capabilities for airframe noise source identification. High channel-count, high-density, low cost-per-channel microphone arrays, and ultra-small, ultra-smooth sensing surface, low-cost, instrumentation-grade, model-embedded dynamic pressure sensors, both using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) piezoelectric sensors with backside contacts and advanced packaging technology, will be combined with advanced array processing capabilities to create innovative airframe noise source identification capabilities. The goals of this research include: (1) developing high-fidelity phased arrays, with flexible mounting options including surface mounting, to avoid encumbrances typical when through-wall installations are required with existing commercial instrumentation products; (2) developing dynamic pressure sensors that can be embedded in model-scale parts, such as landing gear components, flaps, and slats, with ultra-smooth surface outcomes such that the instrumentation itself does not impact the fluctuating pressures that are being measured; and (3) developing advanced phased-array processing algorithms that combine propagating acoustic signals received at the array with localized fluctuating pressure signals measured at the model surfaces to directly correlate noise source generating regions with propagating acoustics.