On the prediction of noise generated by urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles. I. Integration of fundamental acoustic metrics

Abstract

This work identifies and explores several aeroacoustic metrics that allow for urban air mobility (UAM) vehicle noise prediction. An increase in production and use of UAM and distributed electric propulsion vehicles within populated civilian areas stands behind the need to minimize the noise produced by these vehicles. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) strict noise regulations on UAM aircraft compels designers to place a significant emphasis, early in the design phase, on the characterization and analysis of the external noise generated by these vehicles, namely, to ensure their design viability. To accomplish this, the present study focuses on the analysis and interpretation of predicted noise signals using a set of characteristic metrics that can be instrumental at guiding the design process. Following a thorough review of metrics standardized by the International Civil Aviation Organization as well as the FAA, seven general metrics are identified, evaluated, and discussed in the context of UAM noise prediction. When used in conjunction with a modern surface-vorticity panel code, these metrics are shown to provide an effective assortment of tools to concisely describe UAM-based acoustic signal properties.