Interior Noise Prediction Of Hawker Horizon Aircraft Using Statistical Energy Analysis

This paper describes how an interior noise prediction model was created in AutoSEA2 for the Hawker Horizon aircraft that is currently under development at the Raytheon Aircraft Company (RAC). The model was developed using various plate/shell subsystems that represent the aircraft structure and acoustic cavity subsystems represent the aircraft interior space. Simulations were carried out for ground takeoff run and for high speed cruise. The excitations to the model were airborne engine noise and structure-borne engine imbalance for ground run, and turbulent boundary layer noise and structure-borne engine imbalance for high speed cruise. In addition, the ECS noise was also included for both the operating conditions. First, the statistical energy analysis (SEA) interior noise model was correlated with test data from a bare aircraft (with no interior furnishings). Subsequently, interior trim was added to the correlated model to make predictions for an aircraft with furnished interior. Noise transfer path analysis was carried out to identify the dominant sources and transmission paths. Finally, various parameter studies were carried out to obtain an optimum noise treatment package that allowed the aircraft to attain its target for cabin noise level. The current paper shows that SEA is a useful noise prediction tool that can be used to predict the effects of design changes and optimizations resulting in a quiet aircraft cabin.