Numerical investigation of nonlinear propagation distortion effects in helicopter rotor noise

The effect of nonlinear propagation distortion on helicopter rotor noise is presented based on measured data for low-speed descent and numerical calculations that predict the noise level away from the helicopter with and without nonlinear effects. It is shown that for some frequency bands the difference between linear and nonlinear calculations can be as high as 7 dB. Blade vortex interaction (BVI) noise, the dominant noise contributor during descent, is mainly examined. It is shown that advancing side BVI noise is affected by nonlinear distortion, while retreating side BVI noise is not. Based on signal characteristics at source, two quantities are derived. The first quantity (termed polarity) is based on the pressure gradient of the source signal and can be used to determine whether a BVI signal will evolve as an advancing or a retreating side signal. The second quantity (termed weighted rise time) is a measure of the impulsiveness of the BVI signal and can be used to determine at which frequency nonlinear effects start to appear. Finally, polarity and weighted rise time are shown to be applicable in cases of BVI noise generated from different blade tips, as well as in cases of non-BVI noise.