There are a few different explanations for why jet engines are so loud. Some of them include the Buzzsaw effect, Imingement, Straight-through exhaust systems, and turbulence at the wing edge. However, they all boil down to one thing: noise from jet engines increases with distance. A plane flying at a certain height will be much louder than a plane flying at a lower altitude.
Buzzsaw effect
When a plane takes off, you will hear a buzzing sound coming from the engine. It is the result of the fan blades moving at high speeds. This makes the noise we hear sound like a buzzsaw. The noise is very loud when the plane is in the air. It is most noticeable on planes that are wing-mounted or fuselage-mounted.
The buzz saw noise was first discovered in the 1960s, when a high-bypass-ratio fan engine was used on jumbo jet aircraft. When the fan engine was running at max-cruise power, it generated a loud buzzing noise that propagated through the engine’s inlet. Engineers coined this fluttering sound the buzz saw noise.
Imingement
Jet engines produce the loudest noise on earth. The noise they create is comparable to rock concerts and gunshots. The noise from jet engines can permanently damage the human ear. Even hearing protection will only help prevent this damage for a short time. Additionally, the high intensity sound waves of aircraft engines can damage plane hardware and cause mechanical failure. The result can be catastrophic.
There are many reasons why jet engines are so loud, but the primary one has to do with natural forces. First, fighter jet engines are extremely loud due to the turbulent air that propels them.
Straight-through exhaust system
Straight-through exhaust systems have several advantages, but they also have disadvantages. While straight pipes are better for horsepower and allow more oxygen to enter the combustion chamber, they also reduce drone and toxins by eliminating the muffler. However, they are not a good choice for all cars.
Straight-pipe exhausts are noisy. As a result, some cities have banned them. Straight pipes are also much more fuel-efficient. They also reduce the overall weight of the car. This is because there are fewer parts in the exhaust system. However, you should take note that straight pipes can also lead to a failed emissions test, making the vehicle harder to sell.
Most cars are equipped with mufflers. However, you should be aware that removing these components can result in a fine. However, if you do so, you can make the exhaust system quieter by adding a resonator or a V8. Alternatively, a straight-through silencer is another option.
Turbulence around wing edges
One of the main causes of jet engine noise is turbulence around wing edges. This phenomenon occurs when the air flowing over the wing moves from a low-pressure area to a high-pressure area, where it loses energy and separates from the wing surface.
Turbulence is a result of air that has become sticky and is slowed down. This friction causes air flow to slow down and eventually reach zero mph when it hits the wing’s surface. When air reaches this point, it’s called a boundary layer.
The same phenomenon is responsible for airplane landing noise. This sound comes from the trailing edge of the wings. The turbulent air stamped against these exposed wings produces a dull roar.
Heat produced by carburetor
Pilots should be aware of the heat produced by a jet engine’s carburetor. These heats can be harmful to the engine, as they decrease engine output and raise the operating temperature. They should avoid using this heat when the engine needs full power or during normal operations. Rather, they should use it only when it is necessary to check for carburetor ice. This is especially true during engine-out approaches or landings.
Heat produced by the carburetor can reduce engine power by 15%. The heat from the carb melts ice in the carburetor, which is sucked into the cylinders. While this is not avgas, it can contribute to engine noise.
