A study of human response to helicopter interior noise

Two studies investigating low-frequency tonal content of rotorcraft noise were performed in a joint project between NASA Langley Research Center, United Technologies Research Center, and Sikorsky Aircraft. The first study investigated preference reported by subjects exposed to noise representing tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 2000-05, Vol.107 (5_Supplement), p.2877-2877
Main Authors: Sullivan, Brenda M., Davis, Mark W., Young, David L., MacMartin, Douglas G., Millott, Thomas A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Two studies investigating low-frequency tonal content of rotorcraft noise were performed in a joint project between NASA Langley Research Center, United Technologies Research Center, and Sikorsky Aircraft. The first study investigated preference reported by subjects exposed to noise representing that experienced inside helicopters passenger cabins or crew compartments. The second study examined the use of computer-based tools to measure possible fatigue caused by long-term exposure to helicopter interior noise. In the first study subjects heard sounds with modified low-frequency rotor-generated tones, high-frequency gear-mesh tones, and mid-frequency broadband noise. Sounds were presented in pairs and subjects reported degree of preference. The rank ordering of preference shows the perceived benefit of reducing low-frequency tones versus higher-frequency broadband noise. In the second study subjects were exposed for one 6-h period to a helicopter-type sound environment at 88 dBA and for one 6-h period of exposure to a control condition of minimal noise exposure. During each of these test-exposure days, the subjects were required to complete computer-based tests at specified intervals throughout the day, to monitor any change in fatigue or alertness levels. The most relevant conclusions from the tests will be presented in the paper.
ISSN:0001-4966
1520-8524
DOI:10.1121/1.428684