A model for the rapid assessment of the impact of aviation noise near airports

Abstract

This paper introduces a simplified model (Rapid Aviation Noise Evaluator -RANE) for the calculation of aviation noise within the context of multi-disciplinary strategic environmental assessment where input data is both limited and constrained by compatibility requirements against other disciplines. RANE relies upon the concept of noise cylinders around defined flight-tracks with the Noise Radius determined from publicly available Noise-Power-Distance curves rather than the computationally intensive multiple point-to-point grid calculation with subsequent ISOcontour interpolation methods adopted in the FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM) and similar models. Preliminary results indicate that for simple single runway scenarios, changes in airport noise contour areas can be estimated with minimal uncertainty compared against grid-point calculation methods such as INM. In situations where such outputs are all that is required for preliminary strategic environmental assessment, there are considerable benefits in reduced input data and computation requirements. Further development of the noise-cylinder-based model (such as the incorporation of lateral attenuation, engine-installation-effects or horizontal track dispersion via the assumption of more complex noise surfaces formed around the flight-track) will allow for more complex assessment to be carried out. RANE is intended to be incorporated into technology evaluators for the noise impact assessment of novel aircraft concepts.

Airport noise modelling for strategic environmental impact assessment of aviation

“…The performance of two methods frequently implemented for computing aviation noise outputs is discussed and compared to INM. These two methods are RANE [13], and the analytical method based on noise levels at certification measurement points [14], referred hereinafter as "Certification Noise Based Method" (both methods described above). published in ANP database [19]).…”

“…A typical use of simplified airport noise models is the estimation of noise impact (usually addressed by calculating noise contour areas) of future aviation scenarios, when different air traffic demands and technology options are evaluated [10,13,21]. An example of the performance of the certification noise based method for computing changes in noise contour areas is shown in Fig.…”

“…Finally, Torija et al [13] introduced an airport noise model named Rapid Aviation Noise Evaluator (RANE). Unlike grid-point based airport noise models which calculate noise contours from airport-level noise grids on the basis of logarithmic additions of all the events in a given flight schedule, RANE uses a more computationally efficient algorithm for calculating noise contour areas.…”

“…For this purpose, as proposed in this paper, airport noise models need to be incorporated in integrated tools [12] (Fig. 1), ensuring compatibility against input and output requirements in other environmental and economic models [13].…”

Framework for Predicting Noise–Power–Distance Curves for Novel Aircraft Designs

“…Therefore, it can be coupled with both high-fidelity (INM [6], ANCON [10]) and simplified (RANE [11]) airport noise models and used by the aviation industry to contribute to decision making on which future technology platforms is likely to achieve the highest reduction of noise impact around airports.…”