Towards Lattice-Boltzmann Prediction of Turbofan Engine Noise

The goal of the present paper is to report verification and validation studies carried out by Exa Corporation in the framework of turbofan engine noise prediction through the hybrid Lattice-Boltzmann/Ffowcs-Williams & Hawkings approach (LB)-(FW-H). The underlying noise generation and propagation mechanisms related to the jet flow field and the fan are addressed separately by considering a series of elementary numerical experiments. As far as fan and jet noise generation is concerned, validation studies are performed by comparing the LB solutions with literature experimental data, whereas, for the fan noise transmission through and radiation from the engine intake and bypass ducts, LB solutions are compared with finite element solutions of convected wave equations. In particular, for the fan noise propagation, specific verification analyses are carried out by considering tonal spinning duct modes in the presence of a liner, which is modelled as an equivalent acoustic porous medium. Finally, a capability overview is presented for a comprehensive turbofan engine noise prediction, by performing LB simulation for a generic but realistic turbofan engine configuration.