Experimental Applications of Aeroacoustics

Aeroacoustics is one of the most disciplines for engineering students approaching either an industrial or an academic career in propulsion, wind energy and aerodynamics.

The aim of the course Experimental Aeroacoustics is to provide the students with knowledge on how to measure and design an experiment for the study of noise sources in many industrial applications.

The course is structured in three main areas:

1) Introduction to Aeroacoustics:

This area introduces the basic knowledge about sound, sound pressure levels, sound power level and wave equations.

2) Measurement Techniques for Noise:

In this part of the course the students will cover the basic of signal theory, microphone measurements and beamforming. The most innovative techniques for simultaneous flow visualization and noise computations will be also covered in this phase.

3) Experimental Aeroacoustic Applications

Many engineering systems are dealing today with the problem of noise emission. The students will explore in this module many practical applications, including wind-turbine, propeller/propfan and jet/cavity noise sources.

The assessment consists of two MANDATORY parts, an oral examination + an assignment with a report of the activities in the laboratory (experimental activities in groups to be defined during the course). One report per group of students will be delivered and presented by each student during the interview.

Oral examination (80%)

Consisting of a one-to-one interview with the students. 3-5 questions will be asked covering the program in the indicated modules (1-2-3) + 1-2 additional questions on the report from the group of the student. Relevant for a successful oral examinations are:

1) Conciseness of the answer to the question with practical argumentation in the indicate fields: aeroacoustics/aerodynamics/signal processing.

2) Argumentation with formulas and demonstrations is appreciated if backed-up with understanding of the mathematics behind it.

3) Capability of the student to show understanding and not memorization of the material.

Assignment (20%)

Groups of students (8-10) will be formed during the course and laboratory activities will be carried out. About 2-3 hours per group will be dedicated to the presentation of the experimental activities and the acquisition of the data (the students will not be responsible of the preparation of the setup). The groups will analyse the data and prepare a report of the activities. Each student will bring his group report to the oral examination.