Identification of noise source for the model support in wind tunnel test section

When a model support is exploited for acoustic test in a wind tunnel, noise from the model support aerodynamic performance and the sound radiation due to the flow-induced model vibration can be found in the test section. Corresponding simulations and experiments are conducted for identifying the main noise source. The finite element model of aerodynamic model support is established, and the aerodynamic noise of 1.3Ma is obtained. Furthermore, sound radiation of the model support is calculated when the tested flow shock load is applied in a finite element software. Comparison among the aerodynamic noise, sound radiation and the experimental value demonstrates that the aerodynamic noise of the model support is much larger than the sound radiation, and the aerodynamic noise is comparative with the experimental value, which draws the conclusion that the aerodynamic noise is the main noise source in the test section of the wind tunnel. Investigation in this paper provides guidance for future noise reduction of the background.