Curve-fit of spectral variations of noise in F-35A cockpit

Characterization of environmental noise is vital to hearing protection. Researchers completed a measurement campaign to understand the nature of the noise in the cockpit of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Measurements during multiple missions for each variant of the F-35 distinguished the acoustic levels during various stages of flight. Additional data collection defined aircraft state during the acoustic data collection. An initial model represents the LA within the cockpit by a series of random decision forest models. Sensitivity analysis conducted on these models demonstrates airspeed and environmental control system (ECS) flow rate are the two most important parameters determining the interior acoustic level. However, the measurements cover a subset of the full dynamic envelope of the aircraft. Since machine-learning algorithms are susceptible to greater uncertainty where no training data exists, a curve fit model defines acoustic levels throughout the envelope. This model adds the ECS flow rate to the dynamic pressure calculations and produces a highly accurate model of the LA within the cockpit of the F-35A.