Investigation of the aeroacoustic characteristics of balcony cabins on large cruise ships using the APE method

Bluff-body structures in cruise ship balcony regions can generate aerodynamic noise and reduce cabin acoustic comfort. A hybrid LES–APE method was developed and validated through flat-plate acoustic wind-tunnel tests and simulations. The maximum deviations between the simulated and measured overall sound pressure levels and one-third-octave-band sound pressure levels at the far-field monitoring points were within 5.5 dB and 5.0 dB, respectively. Full-ship simulations combined with the Curle noise source model identified the bow-side balcony on Deck 5 at a wind direction angle of 60° as a representative high-noise cabin. Its aeroacoustic characteristics under the door-open condition were predicted using a subdomain method. The results revealed the three-dimensional vortex evolution and sound propagation mechanism within the balcony cavity. Low-frequency sound readily entered the cabin through the opening and induced standing-wave resonance, producing higher sound pressure levels inside the cabin than outdoors. Curved partitions increased the sound pressure levels above 600 Hz compared with sharp-cornered rectangular partitions. The proposed method provides guidance for aeroacoustic control of cruise ship balcony cabins.