A study of rocket launch directivity and the potential correlation of various parameters

• DOI: 10.1121/10.0026808
• Publication Date: 2024-07-03T13:38:03Z
• Authors: Matthew G. Yancey; Ian R. Jackson; Grant W. Hart; Logan T. Mathews; Kent L. Gee
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 01 natural sciences

A rocket launch produces sound that is highly directional. This radiation is presumed to be due to Mach wave radiation, but the production mechanism is poorly understood. Previous research has shown that launch vehicle sound directivity peaks at an angle near 65° relative to the plume for most large rockets during early stages of the launch, yet limited attention has been given to the physical parameters involved in this sound production. This study explores the influence of some additional parameters that are not usually considered, such as ambient atmospheric pressure effects and the launch vehicle's Mach number on a rocket's directivity. Drawing parallels with similar studies on military jets, we aim to compare results and further our understanding of rocket acoustics, contributing to improved modeling precision.