Anti-Phase Noise Suppression Rotor Technologies

About this technology

Overview

All rotorcraft experience rotor noise and vibration that present operational challenges due to the unsteady forces that result from blade vortex shedding. Rotor noise is often a nuisance, and excessive rotor vibration can be hazardous. Several methods exist to deal with the noise and vibration from rotor blades, though many designs either aim to reduce vibration and do not address noise, or vice versa. NASA Ames Research Center has developed a novel patent-pending design and method for reducing rotor blade vibration and acoustic signatures in rotor systems using anti-phase blade vortex suppression design concepts. The design objective is to maximize reduction of noise perceived by the community while maintaining the aerodynamic thrust. These designs could be applicable in any system that uses rotor blades.