Science comes into play to develop quieter airplanes

This is of interest to residents in the area, as well as all those who live near Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Airport. The University of Sherbrooke has just set up a research program to try to develop quieter planes – the only one of its kind in the country.

Thanks to applied aviation acoustic science, three professors from the Faculty of Engineering will try to develop techniques to reduce aircraft noise, both internally and externally.

For this purpose, researchers will identify the source of noise pollution, determine its transmission and develop tools to simulate and predict the vibroacoustic and aeroacoustic phenomena in aircrafts - from its origin to perception by the human ear.

“In a situation of increased air traffic and a growing capacity of aircraft, it is necessary to reduce the impact of noise on the community,” explains Alain Berry, one of the co-holders of the CRSNG-Industries chair in applied aviation acoustics at the University of Sherbrooke.

The team will also be developing innovative technologies in noise and vibration reduction, such as new materials that absorb sound, new configurations of the aircraft structure and the active reduction of noise.

All sources will be closely scrutinized, whether it is the engine, nacelle, landing gear, airflow and turbulence. The materials (sound and dampening treatments) and structural components (fuselage, window and door panels) will also form part of the analysis.

The cost of the investment is $2.5 million over five years, thanks to the participation of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Research also depends on the financial support and collaboration of three leaders of the aeronautics industry: Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Bell Helicopter Textron Canada. Financial support of $3 million from the Canadian Innovation Foundation was also confirmed.

It will however be necessary to be patient, because present day airlines are not quite ready to be turned into silent aircrafts. However, the groundwork is being laid.

(Translated by Michael Beigleman)