Advanced, Environmentally Compatible, 150 Seat Commercial Transport

Noise Contours

The calculation of noise contours for a given aircraft is computationally intensive.  It involves estimation of 1/3 octave noise levels at an array of points around an airport, deriving the effective perceived noise  level (EPNL) at these points, and then calculating the noise contours from the array of values of EPNL.  The procedure for calculating EPNL is described in a PowerPoint presentation associated with Raymer Appendix F.  All this presupposes detailed knowledge of the noise emitted by the engines at different azimuths and power settings, which is in itself a formidable undertaking.

However, noise contours can be estimated from a knowledge of the noise reduction of the engine in question (in this example a Pratt & Whitney PW1000G) as compared with an existing engine.  The procedure is described here.  This procedure may be used for the response to this RFP.

Here are some external links to provide students with some background information:

AIAA Undergraduate Aircraft Design Team Competition

Federal aviation Regulations (FARs)

Silent Aircraft Initiative

EU Joint Technology Initiative (Clean Sky)

Boeing 737NG

Airbus A320

P&W Geared Turbofan

Unducted Fan

Boeing 787 Structure

Send mail to ahays@alum.mit.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 04/25/10