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Detailed near- and far-field acoustic measurements were conducted for two circular stepped nozzles with 30°deg and 60°deg design inclinations at over- and perfectly-expanded supersonic jet flow conditions and compared to those for a circular nonstepped nozzle. Far-field acoustic results show that stepped nozzles play an insignificant role in altering noise emissions at perfectly expanded condition. At an over-expanded condition, however, the longer stepped nozzle produces significant noise reductions at the sideline and upstream quadrants, while the shorter stepped nozzle does not. Noise spectra analysis and Schlieren visualizations show that noise reduction can be primarily attributed to mitigations in the broadband shock-associated noise (BSAN), due to the ability of the longer stepped nozzle in suppressing shock strengths at downstream region. Near-field acoustic measurements reveal that the source region, as well as the intensity of turbulent and shock noises, are highly sensitive to the stepped nozzle configuration. Furthermore, BSAN seems to be eliminated by the longer stepped nozzle in near-field region due to the shock structure modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental investigation into noise reduction of supersonic jets through nozzle trailing-edge modifications was conducted, whereby far-field acoustic measurements were captured for two different stepped nozzles under two distinct under-expanded conditions. When compared to a baseline nozzle, results show that stepped nozzles lead to significant noise reductions at certain polar and azimuthal angles. In particular, a maximum noise reduction of 6 dB is observed for the longest stepped nozzle at a nozzle-pressure-ratio of 4 and 0° azimuthal angle. Spectral analysis shows that the noise reduction is mainly due to reduction in broadband shock associated noise and elimination of jet screech phenomenon. Abrupt changes in nozzle lip lengths of the stepped nozzles appear to disrupt acoustic feedback loop, thus resulting in screech cessation. Qualitative schlieren imaging and quantitative schlieren measurements were subsequently performed to correlate the shock structures and density gradient fields with the resulting noise components. Unlike those produced by the baseline nozzle, shock structures generated by the stepped nozzles are highly irregular and the jet plumes undergo discernible deflections. Lastly, the reduction in broadband shock associated noise is related to the lower shock strengths, as demonstrated by the density gradient profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]