Feasibility investigation of a smart thermoacoustic configuration for general aviation aircrafts

One of the most disturbing noise for passengers is related to the engine fan. This noise is mainly tonal and in the low-frequency range. Reducing its impact for the comfort of passengers is an important and challenging issue in aeronautics. One suitable way to reduce cabin noise is to use efficient thermal acoustic insulation blankets between the interior trim panel and the exterior shell. General Aviation Aircrafts, are generally equipped with a cabin poorly efficient both in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation; this due mainly to the not availability of the most innovative solutions or materials like those used on Large Passenger Aircraft. In this context the authors have faced this crucial issue within SPAIN Project “Smart Panels for SAT Aircrafts Cabin Insulation” which makes part of the Systems Integrated Technology Demonstrator (ITD) Program in EU Clean Sky 2. This project aims scientific and technological breakthroughs in the development and validation of new insulation treatments used in aircraft developing a thermo-acoustic insulation system with materials and innovative solutions highly efficient at an affordable cost for this class of aircrafts. According to the available materials on the market with high thermal and acoustic individual performance, SPAIN goal is to design, develop and test an efficient insulation panel suitable for the General Aviation Aircraft compliant with the technical specification in terms of and weight to performance, and cost to performance aspects. Another item that has been strongly worked on, is the integration technology of this solution with the actual interiors configuration with specific focus to maintenance aspects. A set of sandwich configurations have been designed for each specific area of the fuselage to fulfil the overall noise level target; preliminary test have been performed at coupon level and sub-assembly level to confirm the expected outcomes.