Advanced acoustic measurement system for rocket noise source characterization

Development of the next generation of space flight vehicles has prompted a renewed focus on sound source characterization and near-field propagation modeling. Without advancements in these areas, large uncertainties in vibroacoustic loading estimates on space vehicles and payloads may result in structural designs that are either insufficient or excessive. Improved measurements in an extreme environment are essential to the characterization of rocket aeroacoustic source properties, which in turn provide inputs to empirical models, allow validation of computational models, and, ultimately, lead to optimal structural designs. As part of this effort, an advanced acoustical measurement, analysis, and data visualization system is being developed. An overview of the system design and initial measurements on an Orion 50S XLG solid rocket motor are described.