Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise

Pioneering research to reduce aircraft noise.

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise

The Doak laboratory is fully equipped for making both noise measurements in an anechoic environment and aerodynamic measurements such as hot wire measurements of jet turbulence

The Institute of Sound and Vibration at the University of Southampton plays host to the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Gas Turbine Noise.

The UTC consists of over 25 members and undertakes a programme of research in aeroacoustics focussing on developing and improving noise technology, products and processes of application to current and future aircraft engines.

Aircraft noise is generated by multiple sources many of which are associated with turbulent, unsteady motion.

All must be reduced to achieve a significant reduction in overall noise.

Our research activities include theoretical, computational and experimental studies of aircraft noise sources. We have particular interests and expertise in the design of acoustic liners to reduce noise radiated from intake and bypass ducts, the development of improved models for fan broadband noise and jet noise, and their integration within whole aircraft noise prediction schemes.

We are also responsible for developing and exploiting advanced measurement techniques for rig and fullscale engine noise tests, and for appraising noise data acquired in industrial test facilities by Rolls-Royce and other industrial partners.

In addition to the support from Rolls-Royce we are also funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the European Commission. We also have close collaborative relationships with airframe and nacelle manufacturers.

World class facilities Our researchers have access to a dedicated computing cluster as well as world class experimental facilities including: DARP low noise open air wind tunnel The DARP low noise open jet wind tunnel allows for the self-noise of airfoils and other objects to be measured under free field anechoic conditions. The jet is designed to be of low turbulence such that noise generated by the interaction of turbulence with the object is kept to a minimum. The facility also has low noise so that it does not mask the low levels of noise being measured. Noise measurements can be made at a maximum flow speed of 120m/s.

Doak high pressure jet laboratory Our Doak high pressure jet laboratory is fully anechoic and is used for jet and valve noise testing. The laboratory is equipped with 2inch and 38mm nozzles, high and low mass flow air supplies, a 64 channel data acquisition system and both polar and azimuthal microphone arrays.

Training future pioneers We are helping to train the aeroacoutsics pioneers of the future. We offer postgraduate research opportunities including funded PhD studentships and our EngD programme run in conjunction with Rolls-Royce.

We also offer short-term internships to undergraduate and master’s students. The typical duration is three to six months.

Contact: For further information please contact: +44(0)2380592291 noiseutc@southampton.ac.uk

www.southampton.ac.uk/noiseutc noiseutc@southampton.ac.uk +44 (0)23 8059 2291