Noise Due to Interaction of Inlet Turbulence and Guide Vane Secondary Flow with Propulsor

Abstract : The objective of this investigation is to study the radiated sound from a propulsor rotating blade row due to operation in various types of turbulent inflows; control surface wakes, hub and annulus wall boundary layers, and secondary flow. Each type of inflow exists in a typical underwater vehicle with struts or control surfaces upstream of the propulsor. The experimental program consists of detailed flow measurements upstream of the blade row (mean velocities, turbulence intensities, shear stresses, and spectra), as well as near and far-field acoustic measurements with the various types of inflows. The parameters being varied for each type of inflow are: (a) flow coefficient, (b) inlet boundary layer thickness, (c) strut configuration. The test medium is air.