On the acoustic emission characteristics of airfoils with different trailing edge configurations

Abstract

The present study experimentally and numerically investigates the flow past flat plates and NACA0012 airfoils with the different trailing edge (i.e., blunt, sharp, and rounded) and both end-rounded configurations on the far-field acoustic emissions and complex flow phenomena to determine the best edge geometry for low noise. The studies are conducted for various jet speeds of 20, 30, and 40 m/s (chordwise Reynolds numbers of 1.812 × 105, 2.72 ×105, and 3.62 ×105). It is observed that all the edge-modified flat plates show the highest directivity at an emission angle of 60° for all jet velocities studied. The comparison of power directivities between realistic and flat plate airfoils reveals that the realistic airfoils radiate lower acoustic emissions as compared to flat plate airfoils, albeit they show a common feature of downstream directivity. In general, the far-field acoustic emissions of both end-rounded plates are observed to be lower as compared to blunt, sharp, and rounded trailing edge geometries. The leading edge modification is also observed to reduce airfoil self-noise. The likely reason for the lower far-field acoustic emissions provided by both end-rounded trailing edged foils is due to the modification in the boundary layer characteristics owing to the presence of smooth flow around the rounded leading edge as well as reduced vortex strength as compared to the other foil geometries. Thus, the present study demonstrates that passive modifications of leading edge profiles are essential along with trailing edge for achieving lower acoustic emissions and higher noise reductions.