GRAS Sound & Vibration
microphones complete Siemens’
new DFAN setup
In a test setup designed to subject satellites and other payloads to the
extreme acoustic energies of a rocket launch, your test microphones
have to be out of this world. That is why Siemens chose the GRAS 46BD
¼″ CCP Pressure Standard Microphone Set for their new DFAN setup.
What is DFAN?
Before putting a multi-million-dollar satellite on a rocket, you need to be certain that it will survive the extreme acoustic energies of a rocket launch. That’s where direct field acoustic noise (DFAN) testing comes into play. In a DFAN test, the acoustic conditions of a rocket launch are replicated by arranging heavy-duty loudspeakers around the test object and unleashing a ferocious sound field at it. DFAN test systems produce sound levels of over 160 dB and cover a frequency range from 25 Hz to 10 kHz. In simple terms, if the test object survives the test, it gets to ride a real rocket.
Siemens’ choice: GRAS 46BD ¼" CCP Pressure Standard Microphone Set
- Freq range: 5 Hz to 70 kHz
- Dyn range: 44 dB(A) to 166 dB
- Sensitivity: 1.45 mV/Pa
For full specs and further information on this microphone, please click here.
Small, accurate and resilient test microphones
To monitor the sound field during DFAN testing, and to document compliance with the test regime, microphones are placed between the loudspeakers and the test object to receive the full blast of acoustic energy. The microphones need to be highly accurate at extreme sound pressure levels. They need to be small, to minimize interference with the test environment. And they need to be sturdy, to survive repeated tests while delivering reliable measurements every time.
GRAS and the aerospace industry
GRAS Sound & Vibration has a strong track record of delivering accurate and resilient test microphones for advanced applications in the aerospace industry. GRAS microphones are also used by space agencies like NASA, JAXA, and ESA. Applications include DFAN testing as well as measuring and documenting noise levels inside space vehicles during launch.
For further information:
Lars G Winberg has worked with measurements of acoustics and vibration for more than 25 years. He is a specialist in in-flight and acoustic load measurements in the aerospace and defense industry. Lars works closely with our partners in the aerospace industry to find the best acoustic sensors for any application and to inspire the development of new applications.
Lars G Winberg
Business Development Manager for Aerospace & Defense and Automotive, GRAS Sound & Vibration.
Sign up here for more insights and innovations from GRAS. Register and download "On the Advantages of Using ¼″ Measurement Microphones to Reduce Uncertainty" whitepaper.
Never miss a news story, webinar or live event: Follow us on LinkedIn.
