Recent computational advances open new avenues for aeroacoustics

Even with modern computers and algorithms, some computational problems are simply too challenging to model accurately. Until recently, this was true of the field of aeroacoustics, which studies noise generated by fluid flows. The questions raised by the study of aeroacoustics were challenging to answer due to the difficulty in developing realistic computational models.

Moreau highlighted a shift in the field of aeroacoustics driven by better computers and more powerful numerical methods. In recent years, these advancements have enabled researchers to explore more complex problems.

“With new numerical methods, we are able to tackle realistic complex geometries, and then to unveil noise sources and provide noise mitigation strategies,” said author Stéphane Moreau.

Moreau examined these new methods and techniques and detailed how they have been and are being used to tackle real problems in aeroacoustics. He specifically explored four problems in the field: complex jet noise, noise from installed airfoils, airframe noise, and noise from rotating machinery.

To tackle these problems, Moreau focused on two recent numerical methods, high-order Navier-Stokes unstructured solvers and the Lattice Boltzmann Method. These methods allow for accurate modeling of noise generated by both supersonic and subsonic flows in a wide range of contexts.

Moreau believes these advances will encourage more researchers to study existing problems in aeroacoustics. The new computational methods will also influence future designs and promote efficiency and noise mitigation.

“This review should attract more people to the field and also convince them that computational aeroacoustics is becoming mature enough to be used in design and to provide a quieter environment,” said Moreau.

Source: “The third golden age of aeroacoustics,” by Stéphane Moreau, Physics of Fluids (2022). The article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0084060 .

This paper is part of the Addressing Challenges in CFD Simulations Collection, learn more here .