Shadowing of directional noise sources by finite noise barriers

The present study investigates the shadowing effect of barriers of infinite or finite length in the presence of directional noise sources. The diffraction model termed [Directive Line Source Model (DLSM) J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 107 (2000) 2973-2986] is employed. DLSM is appropriately modified and extended to include the effects of ground reflection, diffraction by the side edges of a finite length barrier, and diffraction by directional noise sources. Results obtained are shown to be in good agreement with available experimental data and known analytical solutions. An application of the enhanced DLSM is illustrated using helicopter type noise, which is highly directive. The noise source is modeled as a directional point source with far field directivity data and the enhanced DLSM is employed to compare the noise field with and without the barrier present for three different directivity patterns, various source locations and orientations, as well as, for various barrier lengths. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.