Linear Acoustic Formulas for Calculation of Rotating Blade Noise

A unified approach is used to derive many of the current formulas for calculation of discrete frequency noise of helicopter rotors and propellers. Both compact and noncompact results are derived. The noncompact results are based on the solution of Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equation. The compact formulations are obtained as the limit of noncompact source results. In particular, the linearized acoustic theories of Hawkings and Lowson, Farassat, Hanson, Woan and Gregorek, Succi, and Jou are discussed in this paper. An interesting thickness noise formula by Isom and its extension by Ffowcs Williams are also presented.