Thoughts on Use of University-Scale Rocket Models to Study Launch Acoustics - A Case Study

摘要

This paper describes how progress in the field of launch acoustics can be expedited by involving university-scale testing. The intention is to devise ways of carrying out quick and inexpensive research on various innovative concepts of reducing the impact of launch acoustics before they are tested on larger models or a full-scale system. It is argued that the key ingredients for conducting successful university-scale launch-acoustics research are aeroacoustic expertise, certified test personnel, and both static and dynamic test facilities. At the university level, this means experienced aeroacousticians and aerodynamacists, certified personnel for rocket handling and assembling, a static facility and access to a launch site. The following paper discusses how leveraging university-scale launch acoustic testing can address spacecraft program risk, can potentially decrease program and testing costs, can acquisition of more (both in terms of test cases as well as number of sensors per test) data, and provide a testbed for testing the feasibility of unique designs. Preliminary research proving feasibility of this approach is presented, highlighted with discussions non-traditional sound suppression techniques such as plume impingement surface treatment as well as description of a university-scale flight test rocket launch test event.