SONORA

Objectives of the SONORA Network

The SONORA network, formed by groups from UPC, ENAC in Toulouse, and the University of Perpignan, aimed to promote the development of methods and techniques that minimize airport nuisances, especially noise: simulation methods and optimization programs.

To achieve this goal, the following objectives were set:

• Develop accurate means of forecasting noise levels around airports.
• Develop software programs for optimizing aircraft flight paths that are applicable.

Now, at the completion of the SONORA network, we can confirm that both objectives set for this scientific network have been achieved. On one hand, a study has been carried out in the network that analyzes, using fuzzy logic, different variables that can affect airport noise disturbance from a given noise source, such as: the distance between the noise source (airplane) and the receptor, the wind intensity and direction, the time of day (daytime/nighttime), the type of receptor (schools, houses, hospitals, businesses, etc.), and more. On the other hand, a study and software program have been developed that calculates the optimal takeoff trajectories of airplanes to minimize a multi-criteria objective, considering the noise produced on the ground and the fuel consumption required to carry out the takeoff trajectory, while accounting for all physical limitations of the aircraft and operational limits.

Scientific Results