Student-built tool turns sound into sight to slash airplane noise

A team at Texas A&M University, led by aerospace engineering professor Dr. Darren Hartl and Ph.D. student Kevin Lieb, has developed a student-built acoustic imaging tool designed to visualize sound sources with high precision. Unlike traditional tests that rely on mechanical noise, the team uniquely tested their device using vocal harmonies from a university choir, turning sound into visual data. This approach allowed them to explore the instrument’s capabilities beyond conventional engineering applications. The device employs dozens of microphones to accurately pinpoint where sounds originate, offering finer resolution than commercial acoustic imaging systems, which trade detail for speed. This technology is significant for reducing airplane noise by identifying specific noise sources such as landing gear or wing flaps, enabling targeted design improvements or sound insulation. Reducing aircraft noise benefits passengers, pilots, and communities near airports, while also providing strategic advantages in military contexts. The collaboration between aerospace engineering and music highlights the value of integrating creative approaches with technical research, suggesting that such interdisciplinary methods may be key to solving complex problems like