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Multirotor Aircraft Noise Reduction

Phase-locked rotors reduce noise.

Noise produced by multirotor vehicles may be objectionable to some, especially as industry moves toward drone deliveries and potentially air taxi operations. Multirotor aircraft typically create a significant amount of tonal noise from each rotor. Groups of rotors operating at the same rotation rate with an appropriate phase offset can be used to reduce the tonal noise of the aircraft when there are multiple rotors on each side of the aircraft. Reducing tonal noise, depending on the aircraft design, can effectively reduce the total noise output for a given flight scenario.

Noise reduction can now be attained by synchronizing the rotation rate and then controlling the phase offset between neighboring rotors. The optimal phase offset is uniquely defined based on the number of blades and the relative location of each rotor and does not depend on the rotation rate, blade geometry, or other aspects of the vehicle design.

Aircraft can be designed with this technology to prioritize quieter takeoff and landing or can be designed for decreased noise in cruise. Existing designs may benefit from this technology as well but what type of benefits can be gained depends on the design of the aircraft. Using this method, multiple rotors can be significantly quieter than a single rotor without sacrificing thrust.

This technology is not viable for all multirotor aircraft but is applicable if the rotation rate of neighboring rotors can be synchronized mechanically or electronically.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact NASA’s Licensing Concierge at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 202-358-7432 to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link here  for more information.

Topics:
Aeronautics Aerospace Aircraft Aircraft structures Aviation Data acquisition and handling Data exchange Mechanical Components Motion Control Motors & Drives Noise Positioning Equipment Propellers and rotors Unmanned aerial vehicles Vehicles

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    This article first appeared in the December, 2020 issue of Tech Briefs Magazine.

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