Noise Reduction Linked to Aircraft

Noise pollution in airport neighborhoods

Noise experienced by persons living in airport neighborhoods originate from tempestuous flows of air either around or over surfaces (Astley, 2015). For instance, when a plane sets to take off, the turbines rotate, which rapidly increases the movement of air particles around the aircraft. The air flows in the airframe of the plane, flaps, landing gears, and in and out of the engine (Astley, 2015). The continuous movement of the turbine and the flow of air in the mentioned surfaces eventually generates uncomfortable noise. If the hazardous sound remains unresolved, it could negatively impact the hearing of persons living close to the airports. Aircraft Turbine engine advances contribute to realizing noise reduction.

The challenge of reducing aircraft noise

The challenge of reducing aircraft noise follows the negative impact that it has on the performance of the plane. For instance, the most logical solution to the problem involves replacing the aircraft engines with slower ones to reduce the movement of air around the surfaces. However, the change of such an alternative is that the airplane will be slower and dangerous for passenger use. Therefore, despite the logic, the solution would affect the performance of the planes while society loses confidence in using airplanes.

Solution: Using sound absorbing materials

Nevertheless, one theory that could address the noise pollution includes using sound absorbing materials on the airplanes and structures neighboring airports. The acoustic absorbing materials take in sound as opposed to reflecting the energy (Ermann, 2015). For instance, building constructors should consider using recycled cellulose fibers, bamboos, cocoa, fibers, recycled rubber layers, and flax as environmentally friendly sound absorbing materials as they positively impact sound insulation (Azimi, 2017). The mentioned materials also possess good thermal insulation properties, which protect human health since they are human-friendly.

Advanced technology for noise reduction

Similarly, the aviation industry should consider replacing the aircraft engines with advanced machinery. For instance, manufactures of smaller jets install turbofan engines to minimize noise. The turbofan engine allows some air to bypass the turbines to reduce the amount of air that hits the surfaces (Richter, 2011). The outcome of such a strategy is reduced noise that produced by the engine when the jet is powered to fly or while landing. Despite using the turbofan technology, it does not eliminate the noise entirely because air has to pass through the turbines for the machinery to operate. The challenge experienced in the aviation industry is that the available turbofan engines suit smaller planes. However, more scientific and technological research is in place to find solutions for bigger planes such as the Bombardier C Series and the Mitsubishi MRJ (Astley, 2015). The aircraft manufactures have managed to reduce noise by using the turbofan engines since a majority of aircraft constitute narrow-bodied jets (Astley, 2015).

Conclusion

Aircraft manufacturers will successfully reduce noise pollution linked to aircraft by a combination of acoustic absorption materials and the advancement of technology such as using turbofan engine. Investors should finance research and development programs to carry out studies about advanced engine technologies to find solutions for bigger airplanes. Constructors should use sound absorbing materials when building houses near airports. The materials for consideration should include recycled rubber, reused cellulose fibers, bamboos, cocoa, fibers, layers, and flax. Moreover, the elements should be human and environmentally friendly to avoid addressing one problem and creating another in the process. Consequently, noise reduction linked to aircraft is achievable with the help of advanced technology.

References

Astley, J. (2015). Jet engines are getting quieter. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2015-07-jet-quieter.html

Azimi, M. (2017). Noise reduction in buildings using sound absorbing materials. Journal of Architectural Engineering Technology, 6(2), 198 DOI: 10.4172/2168-9717.1000198

Ermann, M. (2015). Architectural acoustics illustrated. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Richter, H. (2011). Advanced control of turbofan engines. Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer Science & Business Media.