Born: Malaysia
Primarily active in: United States of America

1969 - 2018

Dr. Wel Chong 'Ben' Sim was an acoustics research scientist and subject matter expert with the US Army Aviation Development Directorate. Sim was a strong supporter of AHS, serving as a session chair, participating in the Acoustics Technical Committee and reviewing papers for the AHS Journal, since joining the Society in 1990.

Sim was born June 15, 1969, in Malaysia. He received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Boston University in 1989, and a Master of Science and Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering in 1993 and 1996, respectively, from Cornell University. His PhD thesis work, under Professor Prof. Albert George, used methods of sonic boom theory to help explain Blade Vortex Interaction (BVI) noise radiation.

Sim continued his research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Maryland in 1996 where he also oversaw the design and construction of a new hover acoustic facility. In 1998, he accepted a Research Associate position, and later that of a Research Scientist, working with Prof. Fred Schmitz and helped start a basic research effort in helicopter acoustics at Maryland. During this period, Sim mentored several graduate students and published fundamental and applied papers on BVI noise.

 In 2004, Sim took a senior research engineer position on a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) contract working with the US Army Aero flight dynamics Directorate (now Aviation Development Directorate) at NASA Ames Research Center from 2004 to 2010. He became a US citizen and was hired as an Army Research Scientist in 2010. Sim was promoted to acoustics subject matter expert in 2013.

Sim published 7 peer-reviewed journal papers and 45 conference papers, five of which were selected as “Best in Session” at AHS Forums. He had an outstanding career as a researcher conducting independent analysis, and as a team member working on numerous analysis, wind tunnel and flight test projects. Sim published key papers on the effect of active rotors on helicopter source noise. He also published fundamental acoustics research (analytical and experimental work) on the effects of altitude, terrain and helicopter maneuvering flight on radiated noise. Recently, he had expanded his work to study source noise for various advanced rotorcraft configurations.

Ben Sim passed away at home on March 5, 2018. Sim was known for his intense curiosity, positive nature, friendliness, and his unselfishness. He was excellent in his research efforts and was always ready to help anyone, which made him a sought-after team member. He loved and believed in his research work in helicopter acoustics and this devotion inspired others to reach for their life goals. 

AHS Updates: 'In Memoriam' from Vertiflite, May/June 2018