21st Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Melbourne, Australia, 13-18 September, 1998
Paper ICAS-98-1.2.1

THE SENSITIVITY OF SCT DESIGNS TO AIRFIELD NOISE REQUIREMENTS: AN INVESTIGATION USING MULTIVARIATE OPTIMISATION

Nicholls P. K., Lee C. A.*
British Aerospace Airbus, United Kingdom; *Defence Evaluation & Research Agency, United Kingdom

Keywords: sensitivity, sct designs, airfield noise requirements, multivariate optimisation

The ASTRO multivariate optimisation code, comprising Supersonic Commercial Transport (SCT) conceptual design synthesis routines linked to a constrained optimisation method, is briefly described. The code includes an airfield noise estimation method that allows constraints on noise to be applied as part of the design optimisation. The results of a number of noise-related studies performed with ASTRO are presented. An optimum configuration that satisfies Stage 3 noise requirements is obtained, and its sensitivity to reductions in individual noise limits explored. A range of measures that may reduce noise are then investigated, comprising: increased glides lope angle, drag reductions at low-speed and cruise speeds, the use of flap systems and optimisation of initial climb speed. The net benefits of most of these measures are presented in terms of their effects on noise limit sensitivity curves.

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