Exploring the influence of winds in urban region on sound propagation and low-noise path planning of urban air mobility

This study investigates the impact of winds in urban region on low-altitude urban air mobility (UAM) noise and presents an assessment method using a sound source model based on numerical simulation and a sound propagation model employing an improved Gaussian beam tracing method. Through the integration of these models, evaluation of noise mapping in an urban environment is achieved. The study focuses on evaluating the noise impact of a typical UAM vehicle flying along various paths under the wind condition. Case studies demonstrate that non-uniform winds can affect the flight noise characteristics, highlighting the importance of noise in path planning. To mitigate the impact of noise, it is important to prioritize upwind directions when designing flight paths for densely populated areas. The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating the wind effects in noise mitigation strategies and decision-making processes related to low-altitude flight operations in urban areas.