– – Aeroacoustic behavior of a distributed electric propulsion (DEP) system installed in the leading edge of a wing – Aerodynamics

This project studies distributed propulsion-wing aerodynamic and acoustic installation effects. The research will focus on the aeroacoustic behavior of a distributed electric propulsion (DEP) system installed in the leading edge of a wing. The objectives are to understand better the noise source mechanisms generated in this configuration and the trade-offs between noise and aero-propulsive efficiency. With this in mind, a code to predict multi-propellers tonal noise is being under development. It applies Hanson’s theory for near field noise to calculate thickness and loading noise using as inputs the operation condition, number of propellers, distance between propellers, number of blades, and blade geometry. With this tool, the experimental campaigns can direct efforts on the parameters pointed by the code as relevant to achieve noise mitigation. This research intends to produce knowledge to enable tighter integration of the propulsive system with the wing by mitigating noise and improving aircraft performance.