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Technology update
Gas turbine noise research
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In a world of ever-increasing environmental awareness, aircraft engine noise is a crucial area. Rolls-Royce carries out extensive research and development on the problem and is now establishing a Rolls-Royce University Technology Center at the University of Southampton in the UK. The Center will specialize in gas turbine noise research. The University states that although considerable progress has been made in understanding the sources of aircraft engine noise, aircraft engine manufacturers are "acutely aware" of the importance of noise reduction to the environmental acceptance of their products. The generation and radiation of noise from gas turbine engines is a problem of immense complexity and demands the application of outstanding technical skills.
The Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Group within the University's Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, where the new Center will be based, has a long association with Rolls-Royce, focusing on the generation and propagation of noise from gas turbines. Dr. Mike Howse, Rolls-Royce's Director of Engineering (Airlines), said that aircraft noise levels must satisfy stringent certification requirements and meet demanding individual airport noise limits. Rolls-Royce has established 18 University Technology Centers since 1990.
Stuart Birch
Aerospace Engineering March 2000
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