Model for Avation Noise Impact Assessment - Low Fidelity (MANIA-L)

 Since UAM eVTOLs operate within urban areas, it is necessary to quickly and accurately predict the noise impact. A new noise propagation module using tabulated aircraft noise data according to its operating state and distance (NPD data) is developed. This module is highly flexible and scalable while following aircraft noise impact assessment standards. The module can provide several noise metrics, real-time noise propagation images, and the effect of different adjustments. Validation was conducted with FAA's AEDT and NASA's AIRNOISE, and the results of applying NASA's 3rd gen UAM eVTOL NPD data were presented. The module is expected to be used in various research of the integrated operation of the UAM ecosystem.

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• Figure 1. MANIA-L Flowchart
  

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• Figure 2. Yeouido Noise Contour
  

Model for Avation Noise Impact Assessment - High Fidelity (MANIA-H)

 Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operates in complex urban environments where noise propagation is affected by buildings, temperature gradients, and wind distributions—causing reflection, refraction, and diffraction. These effects can lead to excessive noise exposure in certain areas, making accurate noise prediction essential for optimizing flight paths and improving public acceptance.

 To address this, a MANIA-H tool was developed based on Gaussian Beam Tracing (GBT), which overcomes the limitations of conventional Acoustic Ray Tracing. Originally introduced by Červený [5], GBT models sound propagation using Gaussian beams—solutions to the paraxial parabolic wave equation—and reconstructs the sound field by summing contributions of nearby beams at the receiver. This method avoids the need for eigenray identification and prevents unphysical pressure spikes near caustics by maintaining a finite beam width along the propagation path.

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• Figure 3. MANIA-H Flowchart
  

 Reference
[1] Taemin Jeong, Yoonpyo Hong, and Kwanjung Yee. “Development of Low-Fidelity Noise Propagation Module for Urban Air Mobility Noise Impact Assessment.” J. Korean Soc. Aeronaut. Space Sci. 51.12, (2023): 861-873.
[2] Kwanghoon Yang, Taemin Jeong, and Kwanjung Yee. “Community Noise Propagation Tool Using Gaussian Beam Tracing,” Proceedings of the KSAS Fall Conference, (2024).
[3] Červený, V., and Pšenčík, I., “Gaussian beams in inhomogeneous anisotropic layered structures,” Geophysical Journal International, 180.2, (2010): 798–812.