Noise from a Jet Discharged into a Duct and its Suppression

Abstract

This study addresses unwanted high intensity noise sometimes encountered in engine test facilities. Model-scale experiments are conducted for a round jet discharged into a cylindrical duct. In most cases, the unwanted noise is found to be due to longitudinal resonance modes of the duct excited by the random turbulence of the jet. When the ‘preferred mode’ frequency of the jet matches a duct resonant frequency there can be a locked-in ‘super-resonance’ accompanied by a high intensity tone or ‘howl’. Various techniques are explored for suppression of the unwanted noise. Tabs placed on the ends of the duct are found ineffective; so are longitudinal fins placed inside the duct. Arod inserted perpendicular to the flow (‘howl stick’) is also found generally ineffective; however, it is effective when there is a super-resonance. By far the most effective suppression is achieved by a wire-mesh screen placed at the end of the duct. The screen not only eliminates the super-resonance but also the duct mode spectral peaks. Apparently the screen works by dampening the velocity fluctuations at the pressure node and thereby weakening the resonant condition.