Hovercraft vibration noise problem

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    Noise Vibration
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a noise problem experienced with a homemade hovercraft, specifically focusing on the vibrations and loud sounds produced when weight is applied to the craft. Participants explore potential causes and solutions related to the hovercraft's design and skirt functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster describes a loud vibrating noise that occurs when weight is applied to the hovercraft, suggesting it may be related to the number and positioning of holes in the skirt.
  • One participant questions the source of the noise, specifically asking if it originates from the skirt.
  • Another participant suggests that the design of the fan, which is intended for high volume and fast rotation, may inherently cause severe noise issues due to pressure fluctuations at the skirt.
  • The original poster notes that a previous prototype did not exhibit the same noise issues, implying that design differences may be a factor.
  • A participant shares their past experience with hovercraft, mentioning that their early designs were particularly loud due to the lack of a proper bell chamber and the use of counter-rotating propellers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the causes of the noise, with some attributing it to the skirt design and others to the fan's operational characteristics. There is no consensus on a definitive solution or agreement on the primary cause of the noise.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of design elements such as hole placement and the fan type, but do not reach a resolution on the specific factors contributing to the noise issue. There is also a reference to the evolution of understanding in hovercraft design, suggesting that solutions may vary based on advancements in knowledge and technology.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in hovercraft design, noise reduction techniques, or those seeking to troubleshoot similar issues in homemade vehicles may find this discussion relevant.

tnorm12
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I have built a 3' by 4' hovercraft (with rounded corners) out of plywood with a pond liner bag skirt. it it powered by either 2 battery operated leaf blowers or 1 plug in electric leaf blower. I have encountered a problem with both power sources. The hovercraft makes a loud vibrating noise when I stand/sit on it. It sounds like when you vibrate your lips together but much louder. With nobody on the craft there is a very small noise and with somebody on it its much louder. On the bottom there is a rectangular piece of plastic in the middle (16" by 4") positioned so that is 16 inches to every side (a little longer to the corners). There are 6 approx 2" holes around the middle (2 on each long side and 1 on each short side). Any suggestions of how to get rid of the noise? I assume its from not enough holes/bad positioning of the holes but i don't know.
 
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What is the noise coming from? The skirt?
 
Fan designed for high volume and fast rotating is always going to have servere noise problems as the pressure jacks up and down at the skirt.

You are best talking to experts in the area like the hovercraft club in uk.
http://www.hovercraft.org.uk/archive/index.php

They have active forums with people who would have hands on solutions most likely.
 
yes the noise seems to be coming from the skirt. I noticed when turned on the skirt is flapping/ vibrating. The noise becomes louder and the vibrations quicker when I step on the craft
 
Uglybb you said it will always have sever noise problems but the thing is in my 1st prototype i built straight off the basic online model (round 4' diameter, leaf blower, plastic 6 mil sheet for skirt, 6 holes evenly spaced around the center, bag skirt) and there was not the same vibrating/rumbling sound. Thanks for the link
 
I haven't played with hovercraft for way too many years!

Admittedly my early attempts I didnt even create a proper bell chamber it was just an open cavity with a skirt and they were particually loud with two counter rotating propellers for lift.

Having a good model to start with would definitely been an advantage!

Times have changed understanding of the problems and solutions are much easier to find because if the internet ... enjoy :-)
 

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