Cabin Noise Prediction for Propeller Aircraft in an Early Design Phase using Parametric FEM Geometry Models and Simplified Propeller Loads

This work treats various aspects of cabin noise prediction of a propeller aircraft study in an early design phase, based on automatically generated parametric finite-element models. At this stage in the design, usually a low level of knowledge concerning structural details is available and other details - such as accurate cabin configuration - are not known. Still, there are some design drivers, such as frame and stringer pitch, which may have an impact on the structure's reaction on the tonal noise due to the propellers. Also, usually only a simplified propeller near-field noise model is available at that stage and no full-scale CFD analysis. In this work, various trade-offs in structural changes and propeller load changes demonstrate the potential and benefits of an early consideration of acoustics in the development process. In order to carry out this task, a database-driven modelling approach was demonstrated by AIRBUS GROUP INNOVATIONS which allowed a fast comparison of multiple designs including a cabin model.