What are the best ways to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction?

Noise is one of the most important environmental impacts of aviation, affecting the health and well-being of people near airports and flight paths. Reducing noise emissions from aircraft requires a holistic approach that considers the integration and compatibility of various systems, such as engines, propellers, airframes, landing gears, and flight controls. In this article, you will learn about some of the best ways to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction, based on the principles of noise source identification, noise propagation modeling, noise reduction techniques, and noise certification standards.

Key takeaways from this article

Identify noise sources:

Start by pinpointing where the noise comes from, using advanced acoustic analysis and sensors. This allows you to address specific issues, integrating quieter technologies like advanced engines and optimized aerodynamics.### *Consider runway positioning:Position runways to face areas with fewer residential complexes or natural buffers like water bodies. This strategic placement helps minimize the impact of take-off and landing noise on populated areas.

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1 Noise source identification

The first step to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction is to identify the main sources of noise and their characteristics, such as frequency, intensity, direction, and duration. Noise sources can be classified into three categories: propulsion noise, aerodynamic noise, and mechanical noise. Propulsion noise is generated by the combustion and exhaust of engines, as well as the interaction of jet streams with the surrounding air. Aerodynamic noise is caused by the flow of air over the surfaces and edges of the aircraft, such as wings, fuselage, flaps, and slats. Mechanical noise is produced by the operation of moving parts, such as landing gears, fans, pumps, and valves. By identifying the noise sources, you can determine the most effective ways to reduce them.

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Ahmad M. Mandili

Director of MRO Operations Systems | Vision 2030 | Executive Management | Operations Technology | Digital Transformation | AMOS SME | Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner
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Identifying noise sources in aircraft systems for effective noise reduction involves a holistic approach. Utilizing advanced acoustic analysis, sensors, and computational methods can pinpoint specific sources. Integrating quieter technologies, such as advanced engine designs and optimized aerodynamics, plays a pivotal role. Collaborative efforts across propulsion, airframe, and auxiliary systems are essential. Incorporating adaptive control systems for real-time adjustments and focusing on materials with noise-absorbing properties contribute to comprehensive noise reduction. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary integration strategy ensures a balanced and efficient approach to minimizing aircraft noise throughout its operational phases.

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Wilson Barrera

Autonomo
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La manera principal es la identificación de las fuentes de ruido, una vez identificadas se estudia la manera de reducirlos esto se ha visto desde hace tiempo atrás en todas las instancias.

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2 Noise propagation modeling

The second step to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction is to model how the noise propagates from the aircraft to the ground, taking into account the effects of atmospheric conditions, terrain, and obstacles. Noise propagation modeling can help you evaluate the noise exposure and impact of different aircraft configurations, flight paths, and operational procedures. Noise propagation modeling can be done using analytical, empirical, or numerical methods, depending on the level of accuracy and complexity required. Some of the common tools used for noise propagation modeling are the Integrated Noise Model (INM), the Aircraft Noise and Performance (ANP) model, and the Fast-time Impulsive Noise Event Simulation (FINESSE) model.

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3 Noise reduction techniques

The third step to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction is to apply various techniques to minimize the noise generation and transmission from the aircraft systems. Noise reduction techniques can be classified into four categories: passive, active, adaptive, and hybrid. Passive techniques are based on modifying the geometry, material, or coating of the noise sources or their components, such as adding chevrons, liners, or fairings. Active techniques are based on using sensors, actuators, or controllers to cancel or attenuate the noise waves, such as deploying active noise control (ANC) or active flow control (AFC) systems. Adaptive techniques are based on adjusting the parameters or settings of the noise sources or their components according to the flight conditions, such as varying the engine thrust, propeller speed, or flap angle. Hybrid techniques are based on combining passive, active, and adaptive techniques to achieve optimal noise reduction.

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Patrick Gikandi

Captain/MATSM
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ATC and Airspace design can play a huge role in the ability to properly implement noise reduction techniques. Mandatory crossing altitudes, level-off clearances and tight aircraft stacking can all create challenges in complying with noise abatement procedures. If ATC allows flight crews to plan for higher speed, and constant decent to final approaches, the flight crews can utilize good potential energy management to reduce engine thrust for the final approach.

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4 Noise certification standards

The fourth step to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction is to comply with the noise certification standards established by the regulatory authorities, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Noise certification standards specify the maximum noise levels allowed for different types of aircraft, based on their weight, category, and engine type. Noise certification standards also define the noise measurement methods and procedures, as well as the noise certification criteria and procedures. By complying with the noise certification standards, you can ensure that your aircraft meets the legal and social requirements for noise reduction.

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Guilherme Guignone

BIM Coordinator | Teacher and Researcher | Airport Safety Professional ACI-ICAO | BIM-LCA Doctoral Student
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It is important to provide adequate acoustic insulation systems in airport buildings. It is important to carry out measurements in places with greater noise potential on the aerodrome, such as the landing and take-off runways, especially the section involving the take-off run. These measurements must take place considering the entire mix of aircraft expected at the airport. Systems must be included in buildings so that opaque closures meet the minimum decibels for comfort inside environments. In Brazil, there is a Brazilian Standard that provides guidance regarding minimum comfort limits in indoor environments in airport buildings.

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Wilson Barrera

Autonomo
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El fabricante de aeronaves primeramente es quien debe cumplir con las normas de certificación de ruido exigido por la regulación aeronáutica del país de fabricación y normas internacionales, luego el operador debe continuar cumplimiento esas normas ejecutando el mantenimiento que el fabricante indica en sus manuales y si hubiese otras exigencias por parte de la Autoridad Aeronáutica estas deberán ser cumplidas.

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5 Noise integration challenges

The fifth step to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction is to overcome the challenges and trade-offs involved in the noise integration process. Noise integration challenges can be technical, economic, or operational. Technical challenges include the complexity, uncertainty, and variability of the noise sources, propagation, and reduction. Economic challenges include the cost, weight, and performance penalties of the noise reduction techniques. Operational challenges include the compatibility, reliability, and maintainability of the noise reduction systems. To overcome these challenges, you need to adopt a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach that involves the stakeholders, such as aircraft manufacturers, operators, regulators, and communities.

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6 Noise integration benefits

The sixth and final step to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction is to enjoy the benefits of the noise integration process. Noise integration benefits can be environmental, social, or economic. Environmental benefits include the reduction of noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and fuel consumption. Social benefits include the improvement of public health, quality of life, and community relations. Economic benefits include the increase of market competitiveness, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. By integrating aircraft systems for noise reduction, you can achieve a more sustainable and responsible aviation industry.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Guilherme Guignone

BIM Coordinator | Teacher and Researcher | Airport Safety Professional ACI-ICAO | BIM-LCA Doctoral Student
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Controlling aeronautical noise, aiming at acoustic comfort for a city, involves the use of passive noise attenuation strategies and even the use of technological equipment present on aircraft. As passive strategies, consideration can be given to considering appropriate guidelines for landing and take-off runways. It is necessary to seek to position take-off and landing facing areas of the city where there is a lower density of residential complexes. An interesting solution is orientations where one of the runway heads faces the sea, watercourses and other areas that do not harm the obstacle-free surfaces and that are unlikely to be future hubs for urban expansion with regards, mainly, to the use of housing.

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Antonio Horacio Ramirez

PIC ATP FAA / PIC ATP ICAO Captain Avemex Chief Pilot Office Avemex Operational Safety Commission Air Charter Safety Foundation audited Argus Platinum audited Wyvern audited Isbao stage 2 audited
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Es un tema delicado .la reducción de ruido debería de enfocarse más desde el diseño de las aeronaves ya que hoy en día se enfoca en la operación, hay ocasiones donde se le da tanta importancia al ruido que impacta en la seguridad de la operación, ejemplo un piloto esta preocupado en ocasiones de no hacer una violacion de ruido en algún aeropuerto añadiendo carga de trabajo en el vuelo cuando se junta mucho trafico aéreo, mal clima, condiciones de hielo,de noche, desviaciones y noise procedures.

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What are the best ways to integrate aircraft systems for noise reduction?

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1 Noise source identification

2 Noise propagation modeling

3 Noise reduction techniques

4 Noise certification standards

5 Noise integration challenges

6 Noise integration benefits

7 Here’s what else to consider

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