Virtual flight simulation of delivery drone noise in the urban residential community

In this work, the noise impact of delivery drones in an urban community is assessed based on a flight simulation and noise assessment platform. The tonal and broadband noise components are considered using analytical and semi-analytical prediction methods. The noise propagation in the urban environment is computed using an efficient Gaussian beam tracing method. The influence of flight speeds, payloads and ground vegetation on noise reception at different observation locations are investigated. The instantaneous sound level can be higher if the drone is operated at a relatively higher speed. However, the overall sound exposure might be lower because of the shorter flight time. Similarly, the drone with a heavier payload could be louder, but in the meanwhile, fewer flight times are required. The platform provides an economical approach to understanding the effect of those competing influential factors, which are essential for the following low-noise flight path planning.