A Finite Element Modeling Approach for Assessing Noise Reduction in the Passenger Cabin of the Piaggio P.180 Aircraft

Passenger comfort in executive-class aircraft demands rigorous control of noise, vibration, and harshness. This study describes the development of a detailed, high-fidelity coupled structural–acoustic finite element model of the Piaggio P.180 passenger cabin, aimed at accurately predicting interior cabin noise within the low- to mid-frequency range. A hybrid discretization strategy was employed to balance computational efficiency and model fidelity. The fuselage structure was discretized using two-dimensional shell elements and one-dimensional beam elements, while the interior cabin air volume was represented using three-dimensional fluid elements. Mesh sizing in both the structural and acoustic domains were determined through analytical wavelength estimates and numerical convergence studies, ensuring appropriate resolution and accuracy. The model’s reliability and accuracy were validated through comprehensive modal analysis. The first three structural modes exhibited strong correlation with available experimental data, confirming the robustness of the numerical model. Subsequent harmonic response analyses were conducted to evaluate the intrinsic noise reduction characteristics of the P.180 airframe, specifically within the frequency range up to approximately 300 Hz.