News and Events

Arup funds research into aircraft noise

Get in touch
Charlotte S Charlotte Fernández UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
30 July 2014

New research will improve communication between airport operators and surrounding communities.

Arup is funding a PhD with the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Centre for Aviation Transport and the Environment (CATE).

The aim of this research is to investigate ways in which the dialogue between airports and their neighbouring communities, relating to aircraft noise, can be improved and so support sustainable development.

Aircraft noise is one of the most significant local environmental issues associated with aviation and has given rise to operational constraints and noise limits at airports across the world. As a result considerable sums are being invested by the aviation industry to control or mitigate its effects.

The study will focus on both academic and commercial needs and will deliver a better understanding of noise related issues for stakeholders and affected communities. One of the key outputs is anticipated to be a noise illustration and communication toolkit.

“

Balancing environmental quality and development is a complex aspect of airport operations. This work will help build better understanding between airport operators and their surrounding communities. ” Rob Harris Acoustic designer

The PhD placement has been awarded to Rebecca Hudson who will spend three and a half years undertaking research. 

The study will take advantage of the new Arup SoundLab in Manchester, recently constructed as part of the Arup’s office move to 3 Piccadilly Place. The SoundLab uses auralisation, which is similar to visualisation, but uses sound instead of images to provide a sound demonstration that reproduces both the loudness (level) and - often more importantly - the character of sound.