Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study of Aerodynamic Noise Reduction of Elbow Based on Leading- and Trailing-Edge Serrated Guide Vanes

The leading-edge and trailing-edge serrated guide vanes, inspired by the silent flight of owl wings, were designed to reduce the aerodynamic noise produced by elbows in cruise. Using the acoustic finite element approach in conjunction with the large eddy simulation model, the aerodynamic noise produced by the elbow is calculated. Using an air piping test platform, this hybrid simulation technique is validated. Further simulation results showed that these two bionic guide vanes contributed to the decrease in the aerodynamic noise by streamlining the airflow and lowering the formation of laminar flow separation bubbles. In particular, the leading-edge serrated guide vane reduced noise by 4.6 dB, whereas the trailing-edge serrated guide vane reduced noise by 3.4 dB.