Noise Shielding by Rear-Mounted Engines on Aircraft

In summary: It has a lot of the same design concepts as those behind the Boeing X-48, only it takes thing a step further by integrating said engines into the fuselage a la the B-2.The SAX-40 is a concept aircraft designed by MIT and Cambridge. It is based off of the X-48 design, but incorporates the engines into the fuselage. The aircraft is designed with external noise pollution in mind, and its rear location has a marked advantage when it comes to ground noise.
  • #1
physixlover
86
0
How is the noise sheilding provided by the fuselage when the engines are mounted at the rear end of the aircraft ? for example-SAX 40
 
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  • #2
That plane isn't designed to make the cabin an ultra-quiet design, it is designed to make the plane quiet to an observer on the ground.
 
  • #3
boneh3ad said:
That plane isn't designed to make the cabin an ultra-quiet design, it is designed to make the plane quiet to an observer on the ground.

may be yes, but I need an explanation of how the noise is reduced when the engines are at the rear end
 
  • #4
You need an explanation? Is this schoolwork?

Have you considered the difference between wing mounted engines and tail mounted? Have you looked up the noise associated with both?
 
  • #5
Being at the rear end isn't going to really do anything when it comes to noise. It has more to do with the design of the engines and the fact that they are largely above the body of the plane, so the body itself will block out some of the noise. I suggest googling the SAX-40 to learn more about the specifics. Google is your friend.
 
  • #6
The location of the engines does play a part in how much noise there is.

Noise levels at different parts of the aircraft will vary depending on engine location.
 
  • #7
jarednjames said:
The location of the engines does play a part in how much noise there is.

Noise levels at different parts of the aircraft will vary depending on engine location.

But again, the SAX-40 is not designed with cabin noise in mind, it is designed with external noise pollution in mind. Rear engines have repercussions when it comes to cabin noise, so I think it is fairly plain to see that the folks at MIT and Cambridge who came up with the SAX-40 didn't have cabin noise in mind when designing it. The rear, above-the-body position has a marked advantage when it comes to ground noise.

It has a lot of the same design concepts as those behind the Boeing X-48, only it takes thing a step further by integrating said engines into the fuselage a la the B-2.
 
  • #8
Blimey, thought the SAX-40 was a real aircraft (had an image of an old liner along the lines of the 717). Just Googled it and it's a concept aircraft.

Yeah, in the case of this design, if you imagine the sound waves coming off the engines they can travel upwards freely but not so well downwards. That's about as simply as it can be put.
 

1. How do rear-mounted engines on aircraft help with noise shielding?

Rear-mounted engines on aircraft have a significant impact on reducing noise levels for passengers and communities near airports. By placing the engines at the back of the aircraft, the noise produced by the engines is directed away from the ground, resulting in quieter takeoffs and landings.

2. Are there specific types of engines that are more effective at noise shielding?

There are various types of engines used in aircraft, but high bypass ratio turbofan engines are known to be the most effective at noise shielding. These engines have a large fan at the front that helps to reduce noise levels by increasing the volume of air that bypasses the engine core.

3. Do rear-mounted engines impact the performance of the aircraft?

While rear-mounted engines are beneficial for noise shielding, they do have some impact on the performance of the aircraft. The weight and balance of the aircraft must be carefully managed to ensure that the rear-mounted engines do not affect the stability and handling of the aircraft.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using rear-mounted engines for noise shielding?

One potential drawback of rear-mounted engines is the increased risk of damage in the event of a bird strike. As the engines are located at the back of the aircraft, they are more vulnerable to bird strikes compared to engines mounted under the wings.

5. Is there ongoing research and development on noise shielding by rear-mounted engines?

Yes, there is ongoing research and development in this area, with a focus on improving the design and technology of rear-mounted engines to further reduce noise levels. Additionally, advancements in materials and engine technology may also contribute to improved noise shielding in the future.

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