Grant: Alliance Grants

The main research objectives of the proposed project are the acoustic characterization and modification of the wind tunnel at Carleton University, followed by testing of the various acoustic treatments and materials for self-noise assessment. The first phase of the project will involve measurements of the wind tunnel acoustic performance. The requirements for the acoustic performance improvements will be developed based on the self-noise levels required for aeroacoustic wind tunnels. Simultaneous computation fluid dynamics analyses will be conducted to determine the likely compromises to the aerodynamic performance of the wind tunnel. This phase of the work will conclude with background noise measurements to confirm the effect of modifications to the circuit. Wind tunnel background noise will be determined at several operating wind speeds. During the second phase of the project, various candidate surface treatments will be installed on the test section floor and measurements of self-noise will be made over a range of wind speeds. Materials with different porosity, morphology, patterns and thickness levels will be investigated. The degree of sound attenuation at different frequencies will be examined. Measured data will be processed and analyzed to demonstrate the capabilities for several treatments. It is anticipated that results from this project will lead to the development of a new generation of wind tunnels and unconventional surface treatments.