Effect of chevron count and penetration on the acoustic characteristics of chevron nozzles

Experimental investigations have been carried out on chevron nozzles to assess the importance of chevron parameters such as the number of chevrons (chevron count) and chevron penetration. Acoustic measurements such as overall sound pressure level, spectra, directivity, acoustic power, and broadband shock noise have been made over a range of nozzle pressure ratio from sub-critical to underexpansion levels. Shadowgraph images of the shock-cell structure of jets from various chevron nozzles have also been captured for different nozzle pressure ratios. The results indicate that a higher chevron count with a lower level of penetration yields the maximum noise suppression for low and medium nozzle pressure ratios. Of all the geometries studied, chevron nozzle with eight lobes and 0° penetration angle gives the maximum noise reduction. Chevron nozzles are found to be free from screech unlike regular nozzles. Acoustic power index has been calculated to quantitatively evaluate the performance of the various chevron nozzles. Chevron count is the pertinent parameter for noise reduction at low nozzle pressure ratios, whereas at high nozzle pressure ratios, chevron penetration is crucial. The results illustrate that by careful selection of chevron parameters substantial noise reduction can be achieved.