Prediction of flow noise from in-duct spoilers using computational fluid dynamics

This paper presents a method for the prediction of flow noise from in-duct spoilers using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Previous work conducted by Mak [Mak CM. A prediction method for aerodynamic sound produced by multiple elements in air ducts. J Sound Vib 2005;287:395–403] and Mak et al. [Mak CM, Wu J, Ye C, Yang J. Flow noise from spoilers in ducts. J Acoust Soc Am 2009;125:3756–65] provides a method for such a prediction based on experimental data. In this work, the advanced Large-eddy Simulation turbulence model (LES) is used to compute the mean pressure drop across spoilers and the fluctuating drag forces acting on them. The predictions of the numerical simulation agree well with those based on experimental data and the actual, measured levels. With the aid of CFD simulation, engineers are now able to use the prediction method developed by the authors to predict the flow noise from in-duct spoilers using the LES turbulence model.