Aero-Acoustics of Modern Transonic Fans - Fan Noise Reduction from Its Sources

The noise of aerodynamics nature from modern transonic fan is examined from its sources with the perspective of noise reduction through aero-acoustics design using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools. In particular the problems associated with the forward propagating noise in the front is addressed. It is identified that the shock wave spillage from the leading edge near the fan tip is the main source of the tone noise. Two different approaches have been studied to reduce the forward arc tone noise and two state-of-art transonic fans are designed using the strategies developed. The following rig tests show that while the fans exhibit other noise problems, the primary goals of noise reduction have been achieved through both fans and the novel noise reduction concept vindicated.