Spectrum highlights UC's work on quieter jet engines

Spectrum News visited an aerospace engineering lab at the University of Cincinnati to learn more about ways researchers are designing quieter jet engines.

In UC Distinguished Research Professor Ephraim Gutmark's lab, doctoral student Kaurab Gautam is experimenting with new nozzle designs to dampen the sounds of supersonic jet engines without impeding their performance. The project is supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.

The leading causes of military disability claims are hearing loss and tinnitus, sometimes from working around chronic loud noise. The disabilities affect more than 3.6 million former service members.

“I think it's really important because the U.S. is spending billions of dollars on hearing loss compensation and that's a huge number,“ Gautam told Spectrum News.

While Gautam's research is examining jet engines used by the military, the research has implications for commercial aviation as well, Gautam said. Airports like Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport receive thousands of noise complaints from neighbors every year.

“It's interesting and challenging at the same time, so I'm really enjoying this work,“ Gautam said.

Featured image at top: An F/A-18 Super Hornet's afterburners roar prior to launch aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Photo/ Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo Flannigan