Simulation of acoustic scattering from a trailing edge

Three model problems were examined to assess the difficulties involved in using a hybrid scheme coupling flow computation with the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equation to predict the noise generated by vortices passing over a sharp edge. The results indicate that the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equation correctly propagates the acoustic signals when provided with accurate flow information on the integration surface. The most difficult of the model problems investigated flow over a two-dimensional, thin NACA airfoil with a bluff-body vortex generator positioned at 98% chord. Vortices rolled up downstream of the bluff body. The shed vortices possessed similarities to large coherent eddies in boundary layers in that they interacted and occasionally paired as they convected past the sharp trailing edge of the airfoil. The calculations showed acoustic waves emanating from the airfoil trailing edge. Acoustic directivity and Mach number scaling were obtained. (C) 2000 Academic Press.