Frequency-domain method for discrete frequency noise prediction of rotors in arbitrary steady motion

A novel frequency-domain formulation for the prediction of the tonal noise emitted by rotors in arbitrary steady motion is presented. It is derived from Farassat's ‘Formulation 1A’, that is a time-domain boundary integral representation for the solution of the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings equation, and represents noise as harmonic response to body kinematics and aerodynamic loads via frequency-response-function matrices. The proposed frequency-domain solver is applicable to rotor configurations for which sound pressure levels of discrete tones are much higher than those of broadband noise. The numerical investigation concerns the analysis of noise produced by an advancing helicopter rotor in blade–vortex interaction conditions, as well as the examination of pressure disturbances radiated by the interaction of a marine propeller with a non-uniform inflow.

► A novel frequency-domain aeroacoustic formulation is presented. ► It is suitable for analysis of tonal noise from rotors in arbitrary steady motion. ► It allows the detailed view of rotor sound radiation mechanism. ► It is validated against numerical–experimental data concerning rotor and propeller. ► It is useful for identification of noise control techniques.