Assessing the performance of the sonAIR aircraft noise model in predicting noise levels at Schiphol Airport
R.N.J. Boelhouwer (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M. Snellen – Mentor (TU Delft - Control & Operations)
D.G. Simons – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects)
R.C. Van der Grift – Coach (TU Delft - Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects)
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Abstract
Aircraft noise is a significant problem for communities surrounding airports. Accurate prediction models are needed to estimate noise levels from aircraft operations. In this research, the accuracy of the sonAIR aircraft noise model is evaluated in predicting noise levels around Schiphol airport by comparison to measurement data from NOMOS and the current best-practice modelling approach Doc29. Results show a significant but consistent underestimation of noise levels by sonAIR, mainly due to a generalisation of emission models. The standard deviation of differences between model results and measurements is lower for sonAIR than for Doc29 by up to 1 dB. Differences between measurement and model results were found in the relation between N1 and noise levels, maximum noise levels and frequency spectra. These results demonstrate that sonAIR provides more reliable predictions of noise levels on the single flight event level than Doc29. Additionally, this study shows agreement with results from a previous validation study in Zürich, thereby confirming the applicability of sonAIR to another airport. This research contributes to better aircraft noise predictions, which will have implications ultimately leading to a better quality of life for communities affected by aircraft noise.