Experimental Analysis of Synchrophasing Impact on Noise of Distributed Propeller Systems in Tractor Configuration

This study investigates the acoustic characteristics of a distributed propeller-wing system in a tractor configuration, focusing on the potential for noise reduction using the synchrophasing technique. The experimental setup features three propellers with nacelles mounted side-by-side on the leading edge of a wing, resulting in aerodynamic interference between adjacent propellers due to a tip clearance of 5% of the radius. The study investigates the acoustic impact of varying relative blade-phase angles (synchrophasing) and further explores the implications of changing the angle of attack. The findings show that synchrophasing influences noise emissions at the locations investigated, potentially amplifying or reducing noise relative to a random configuration. Moreover, these effects persist when investigating higher angles of attack.