Experimental Investigation of the Performance of Trailing Edge Noise-Reducing Finlets

In the present study, the efficiency of the finlet as a means of passive trailing-edge noise control has been experimentally investigated. Surface pressure spectra, spanwise length scale, and eddy convection velocity in the trailing-edge region are important parameters in determining far-field trailing-edge noise. In the present study to measure the above parameters, a flat-plate model equipped with unsteady surface pressure transducers has been designed and built. Results have shown that the flow behavior downstream of the finlets is strongly affected by the spacing between the finlets. The use of finlets with coarse spacing leads to a reduction in the surface pressure spectrum at mid to high frequencies and an increase in the spanwise length scale at low to mid frequencies. On the other hand, for the finlets with fine spacing, while the surface pressure spectrum has been further reduced at high frequencies, there has been an undesirable increase at low to mid frequencies. Moreover, fine finlets can significantly reduce the coherence and eddy convection velocity at mid to high frequencies. Finally, the Amiet-Roger model has been used to evaluate the changes in far-field trailing-edge noise and the results have shown the effectiveness of finlets in the mid and especially high frequency range.