Acoustic characteristics of pulse detonation engine sound propagating in enclosed space*

Abstract

Acoustic characteristics of pulse detonation engine (PDE) sound propagating in enclosed space are numerically and experimentally investigated. The finite element software LS-DYNA is utilized to numerically simulate the PDE sound propagating in enclosed space. Acoustic measurement systems are established for testing the PDE sound in enclosed space, and the time-frequency characteristics of PDE sound in enclosed space are reported in detail. The experimental results show that the sound waveform of PDE sound in enclosed space are quite different from those in open space, and the reflection and superposition of PDE sound on the walls of enclosed space results in the sound pressure oscillating obviously. It is found that the peak sound pressure level (PSPL) and overall sound pressure level (OASPL) of PDE sound in enclosed space are higher than those in open space and their difference increases with the rise of propagation distance. The results of the duration of PDE sound indicate that the A duration of PDE sound in enclosed space is higher than that in open space except at measuring points located at 2-m and 5-m while the B duration is higher at each of all measuring points. Results show that the enclosed space has a great influence on the acoustic characteristic of PDE sound. This research is helpful in performing PDE experiments in enclosed laboratories to prevent the PDE sound from affecting the safety of laboratory environment, equipment, and staffs.