Lift-Off Acoustics Predictions for the Ares I Launch Pad

Abstract

A model has been prepared to predict noise on the mobile launcher and tower for the Ares I launch vehicle. The model is based on classic semi-empirical methods developed during the Apollo program. It has been updated with more recent data and algorithms. It has been implemented in two software modules. The first performs the noise calculations itself, yielding octave band and PSD spectra at specific points on the launcher or on a grid covering a region of interest. These results are written as simple ASCII tables. The second is a display program that graphically presents the results.