Investigating Correlations Between Reynolds-Averaged Flowfields and Noise for Forced Mixed Jets

摘要

Jet engine manufacturers have known for some time that mixer design has a strong influence on jet noise, but the correlation between the two is unclear. The Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) computed steady-state flowfields of several mixers for which the far-field noise characteristics are known are analyzed. Three mixers with different lobe penetration heights are examined. The WIND computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is used and compared with results from recent experiments conducted at the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. The Menter shear stress transport turbulence model and computational meshes of 1.9 million grid points are used for the comparisons. The turbulent kinetic energy profiles predicted by CFD are in good qualitative agreement with experimental data. Inferences are also made as to what correlations can be drawn between the RANS computed flowfield and the experimentally determined far-field noise and how this information may be used as an aid in mixer design.