Enhancement of Aeroacoustic Testing

Abstract

Aeroacoustic testing in wind tunnels is crucial for understanding and mitigating the noise generation mechanisms in several devices while maintaining satisfactory aerodynamic performance in the conceptual design stage. However, current measurements in closed-section wind tunnels face challenges in terms of installation, due to the effect of the boundary layer of the wind tunnel walls, and accuracy. To address these issues, the proposed methodology integrates advanced signal processing techniques and cost-effective and limited alterations in a closed-section wind tunnel. Different configurations, such as a perforated panel, a perforated panel with melamine foam rings, and the addition of melamine foam panels behind the array and inside the wind tunnel combined with the use of a microphone array consisting of 88 microphones, recessed behind an acoustically transparent stainless steel mesh, has led to significant improvements in signal-to-noise ratio and measurement accuracy compared to the baseline aeroacoustic testing. In general, this setup enables the identification of noise sources with a signal-to-noise ratio of at least -10 dB. Additionally, the utilisation of advanced beamforming techniques (CLEAN-SC and DAMAS) in post-processing yields clearer outcomes. Finally, the effectiveness of the set-up was evaluated, resulting in an approximate 15 dB improvement in peak prominence of the flow-induced noise source due to the higher number of microphones and beamforming.