In one of Boeing’s state-of-the-art noise testing laboratories in Seattle, Wash., Boeing test engineers and Boeing design engineers are evaluating the 777X window panel design – one of the options on the new 777X. They want to ensure the new panel is as quiet as possible for future passengers by subjecting it to simulated flight conditions in the large anechoic chamber, which cancels out all other competing sounds from the test.

To do this, microphones are placed around a simulated passenger to pick up ambient sound while sensitive accelerometers are placed on the panel itself to measure vibration. As speakers and shakers simulate actual flight conditions, test engineers monitor and capture noise and vibration data.

The data provided by the lab test team is helping engineers eliminate all shade rattling, as well as lower noise levels at the window seat, for the production 777X panel which will undergo testing in July 2018. The 777X delivers in 2020.

BT&E Lab Test engineers Alex Kremer, Jason Kiiskila (right) conduct testing and collect data as BCA engineers Manjit Bajwa, Jordan Brunner (left) discuss findings and potential design improvements.

Kenn Aguilar