physics

Aeroacoustics & Flow-Generated Noise

The study of noise produced by aerodynamic flows — turbulent jet mixing, boundary layer turbulence, propeller tonal harmonics, aeolian tones from vortex shedding, and supersonic shock-wave propagation that creates sonic booms.

aeroacousticsjet noiseflow noiseLighthill analogysonic boompropeller noisevortex sheddingboundary layer

Aeroacoustics sits at the intersection of fluid dynamics and acoustics, investigating how turbulent and unsteady flows generate sound. Pioneered by Sir James Lighthill in 1952, the field explains why jet engines roar, why wind whistles past wires, and why supersonic aircraft produce thunderous sonic booms. Lighthill's acoustic analogy reformulated the Navier-Stokes equations into an inhomogeneous wave equation, revealing that aerodynamic sound scales with extreme powers of flow velocity.

These simulations let you explore the fundamental mechanisms of flow-generated noise: turbulent jet mixing, boundary layer pressure fluctuations, rotor tonal and broadband radiation, vortex-shedding aeolian tones, and shock wave propagation. Adjust flow parameters and watch how noise spectra, directivity patterns, and pressure fields respond in real time.

5 interactive simulations

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Aeolian Tones & Vortex Shedding

Simulate aeolian tones from vortex shedding past cylinders — explore how flow speed, cylinder diameter, and Reynolds number set the shedding frequency

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Turbulent Boundary Layer Noise

Simulate turbulent boundary layer noise — explore how freestream velocity, boundary layer thickness, and surface roughness affect wall-pressure spectra

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Turbulent Jet Mixing Noise

Simulate turbulent jet mixing noise — explore how exhaust velocity, jet diameter, and temperature ratio shape the acoustic spectrum and directivity

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Rotor & Propeller Noise

Simulate propeller tonal and broadband noise — explore how blade count, RPM, diameter, and advance ratio shape the acoustic signature

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Sonic Boom & Shock Wave Propagation

Simulate sonic boom formation — explore how Mach number, altitude, and aircraft length determine the N-wave overpressure on the ground