Comparison of Inlet Suppressor Data with Approximate Theory Based on Cutoff Ratio

This paper represents the initial quantitative comparison of inlet suppressor far-field directivity suppression with that predicted using an approximate liner design and evaluation method based upon mode cutoff ratio. The experimental data was obtained using a series of cylindrical point-reacting inlet liners on an Avco-Lycoming YF102 engine. The theoretical prediction program is based upon simplified sound propagation concepts derived from exact calculations. These indicate that all of the controlling phenomenon can be approximately correlated with mode cutoff ratio which itself is intimately related to the angles of propagation within the duct. The objective of the theory-data comparisons is to point out possible deficiencies in the approximate theory which may be corrected. After all theoretical refinements have been made, then empirical corrections can be applied.