After taking this program you will be able to:

• Analyze fundamental aeroacoustic sources of noise and their aerodynamic origin.
• Evaluate sources of noise in different mechanical systems.
• Discuss and decide upon the most relevant acoustic parameters to be monitored and measured for a specific aerodynamic system.
• Design a strategy to work within noise regulations without compromising aerodynamic performance.
• Get acquainted with fundamental and advanced measurement techniques for aeroacoustics.
• Design a simple experimental setup for investigating or isolating sources of noise.
• Identify the most important aerodynamic parameters that affect noise generation (e.g. performance of the system and operating regimes) and the noise uncertainties in wind‑tunnel and in‑field measurements for aeroacoustics.

In several industries investments aimed at noise reduction have increased significantly due to stricter regulations. Given some of the constraints in the aerodynamic performance of a mechanical system, how can we optimize its performance while lowering the noise emitted?

At the moment, a few courses focus on how to aerodynamically design mechanical systems such as wind turbines, drones, liners and future aircraft configurations. But none focus on how to accomplish it through aeroacoustics or even how to reliably measure the noise produced by such systems.

Apply this knowledge to your own work
After learning the fundamentals of aeroacoustic sources of noise, you will apply the knowledge gained to industry‑relevant problems.

In the course Aeroacoustics: Noise Reduction Strategies for Mechanical Systems you will learn how to change the aerodynamic performance of one mechanical system of your choice. We will focus on four important examples: an aircraft propeller, a wind turbine, a wing with flap and/or a jet in proximity of a wing, but if you wish you will be able to focus on the specific mechanical system of your choice, to obtain a quieter device. In the course Aeroacoustics: Measurement Techniques we will analyze how to use pressure transducers and microphones for the analysis of noise source mechanisms.

This program includes special lectures and material by leading companies, including Siemens/Gamesa Wind-Power, GRAS Microphones and National Instruments. You will also gain access to online tools and resources to tailor your formulations to your own test‑cases, and you will receive personalized advice and feedback from international experts in the field of aeroacoustics.

Companies can benefit from new developments in this field in several ways:

• Aircraft and wind turbine manufacturers need nowadays to comply with strict noise regulations imposed by the new targets for year 2050. Their profits depend on how skillfully engineers, like you, can maintain aerodynamic performance within noise regulations.
• These manufacturers also need to reliably evaluate their design solutions with aerodynamic and acoustic measurements. Skillful engineers, like you, should be able to accurately evaluate the aeroacoustic performance of new systems.
• Being able to cope with a multi‑variable design in more than one discipline is an asset for future managers. This course focuses on how to translate complex theories into practical rules, to let you develop the problem‑solving attitude that is required to excel.

You will be exposed to concrete design exercises and deal with preparation and tuning of experimental techniques, using a project methodology, which mimics small R&D projects where focus and precision are required to achieve your goal in a limited amount of time.

Watch sample video lectures

Download flyer

Career prospects for people with similar training include project managers, designers, research engineers or research developers (RDs) working (or intending to) in the aerospace, aerodynamic, propulsion, wind energy industry or tackling the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic design of a specific mechanical system. Employers range from wind turbine, engine, ventilation system and aircraft manufacturers to aerospace institutes.

In several industries, such as the aircraft industry, investments aimed at noise reduction have increased significantly due to stricter regulations and updated sustainability policies with new targets. Aerospace engineers who work on engines or propulsion will continue to be needed as the emphasis in design and production shifts to rebuilding existing aircraft so that they are less noisy and more fuel efficient. Additionally, growing interest in unmanned aerial systems will also help drive growth of the occupation. Overall, this has led to a considerable increase in the demand of aeroacoustic expertise in future aerospace engineers, who now need new skills to combine aerodynamics and aeroacoustics in their designs.

The employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2018 to 2028. The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $115,220 in 2018. In particular, in the field of Research and Development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, the median annual wage was $124,430. (Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook - US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

"Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has pursued a focused R&D program on aeroacoustics for many years, and as a result newly developed low-noise technologies are continuously implemented in new and existing wind turbines. We have collaborated with Delft University of Technology in various research projects to further the application of promising noise reduction technologies. These courses in aeroacoustics will provide professionals with the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals and how to apply them in various applications." - Stefan Oerlemans - Head of Noise Section, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S

David Gomez Ariza
"I'm now creating a dedicated aeroacoustics team as well as a basic aeroacoustics laboratory."
Read full Story

Kiran Patil
"I believe I can use the knowledge I've gained to apply to the tire-road noise problem that I am currently working on."
Read full Story

Certificates

If you successfully complete this program you will earn a Professional Education Certificate and you are eligible to receive 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
 

View sample certificate

This program is primarily geared towards working professionals.

Prerequisites:
Knowledge of fundamental aerodynamics and calculus is an asset to the program. However, the program will fill in any gaps of knowledge in physics and basic signal theory.

If you have any questions about this course or the TU Delft online learning environment, please visit our Help & Support page.