Noise suppression ENGINE NOISE

Fig. 19-4 Comparative noise sources of low and high by-pass engines.

6. Compressor and turbine noise results from the interaction of pressure fields and turbulent wakes from rotating blades and stationary vanes, and can be defined as two distinct types of noise; discrete tone (single frequency) and broadband (a wide range of frequencies). Discrete tones are produced by the regular passage of blade wakes over the stages downstream causing a series of tones and harmonics from each stage. The wake intensity is largely dependent upon the distance between the rows of blades and vanes. If the distance is short then there is an intense pressure field interaction which results in a strong tone being generated. With the high bypass engine, the low pressure
compressor (fan) blade wakes passing over downstream vanes produce such tones, but of a lower intensity due to lower velocities and larger blade/vane separations. Broadband noise is produced by the reaction of each blade to the passage of air over its surface, even with a smooth airstream. Turbulence in the airstream passing over the blades increases the intensity of the broadband noise and can also induce tones.

7. With the pure jet engine the exhaust jet noise is of such a high level that the turbine and compressor noise is insignificant at all operating conditions, except low landing-approach thrusts. With the by- pass principle, the exhaust jet noise drops as the velocity of the exhaust is reduced but the low pressure compressor and turbine noise increases due to the greater internal power handling.
8. The introduction of a single stage low pressure compressor (fan) significantly reduces the compressor noise because the overall turbulence and interaction levels are diminished. When the by- pass ratio is in excess of approximately 5 to 1, the jet exhaust noise has reduced to such a level that the increased internal noise source is predominant. A comparison between low and high by-pass engine noise sources is shown in fig. 19-4.
9. Listed amongst the several other sources of noise within the engine is the combustion chamber. It is a significant but not a predominant source, due in part to the fact that it is 'buried' in the core of the engine. Nevertheless it contributes to the broadband noise, as a result of the violent activities which occur within the combustion chamber.

Introduction Noise suppression, Noise suppression Engine noise, Noise suppression Methods of suppressing noise, Noise suppression Construction and materials,  Comparative noise sources of low and high by-pass engines