Experiments on the validity of ground effect predictions for static noise testing of propeller aircraft

Abstract The practical importance of an advanced ground effect theory for the prediction of free field noise spectra from static field measurements above grassland is investigated. Empirical noise data from a ground-based light propeller aircraft are compared with predictions. The results show that short range propagation of low frequency noise is adequately described by theory. It is also shown, however, that at intermediate and high frequencies detailed experiments on ground interference effects remain required to determine the characteristics of the noise source.