Advancing Leading-Edge Noise Prediction Through Turbulence-Distortion Modeling

Abstract

The present study applies a recently proposed methodology that improves the accuracy of Amiet’s model for thick airfoil geometries using rapid distortion theory. The approach is tested against an extensive experimental database from the University of Southampton, where grid-generated turbulence at various free-stream velocities interacts with NACA airfoils of different thicknesses and leading-edge radii. The methodology requires as input only the characteristics of the incoming turbulence and a single geometric parameter of the airfoil that governs the distortion mechanism, related to the pressure gradient at the leading edge. The objectives of the study are twofold: (i) to evaluate the applicability and robustness of the methodology across all tested configurations, and (ii) to assess the feasibility of estimating the geometric parameter using the panel method XFOIL.