Characterization of the broadband noise of mini RPA propeller blades

This paper presents an attempt at computing the broadband noise spectrum of a mini- RPA propeller with serrated trailing edge. Frequency domain analytical models for predicting noise from airfoils with straight or serrated edges are validated by comparison to measurements before their implementation on a full rotating propeller for comparison with time domain simulations with an LBM-solver. The models are applied to propellers using a strip theory, which describes the blade as a series of independent airfoils in translation at the local relative velocity. The models underpredict sound levels but are able to capture the relative variations due to changes in geometry or operating conditions for different serrated airfoils configurations. The obtained results for propellers with a straight and a serrated trailing edge are promising and suggest that those models can be used to optimize serrated propeller geometries.