Seasonal Sonic Boom Propagation Prediction.
Abstract
Seasonal variations in wind and temperature gradients are known to influence the propagation of sonic booms. This report examines predictive techniques in current use which may be refined for application to seasonal Environmental Impact Statements. The effects of seasonally averaged refractive atmospheres on the sonic boom carpet predictions for an example flight of an F-111 at Mach 1.3 and 10,000 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) were documented. The effect of such atmospheres on predicted noise exposures due to a real-world mix of supersonic flights was estimated. The example boom environment was chosen to be that near Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB) where sonic booms are known to affect the public. Two distinct atmospheric averaging techniques were applied seasonally and the resulting sonic boom predictions compared to each other and to those predictions obtained using the U.S. Standard Day Atmosphere and the Annual reference Atmosphere for Edwards AFB. The results show the potential benefit of conducting seasonal sonic boom predictions in forecasting the effects which supersonic flight operations have on the public. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA293101
Entities
People
- W. R. Lundberg
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory