How to Simulate Vibroacoustics?

NAFEMS wishes to commission a developer and presenter to the on-demand course on “How to Simulate Vibroacoustics?”

“How to Simulate Vibroacoustics” is an 8-12 hour on-demand technical course that teaches engineers experienced with structural analyses how to model and vibroacoustic phenomena. Vibroacoustic simulation is the discipline of modelling and predicting the coupled behaviour of structural vibrations and acoustic waves in fluids.

Intended Readership

The primary audience for this publication includes simulation engineers experienced with structural problems and having an existing understanding of vibrations. No prior acoustics simulation experience is required – the course will cover acoustic fundamentals from the ground up. Participants will learn how to set up and run coupled structural-acoustic analyses, interpret results (such as sound pressure levels and vibration responses), and understand how different industries tackle noise and vibration challenges.

Contents

The course is expected to provide a practical guide, with links to underlying theory for analysts, including (but not limited to) the following topics.

• Vibroacoustic fundamentals: material models and parameters, acoustic waves, -resonance, and coupling effects.
• FEM applied to vibroacoustic problems: of finite element methods for acoustic domains (fluid elements), fluid-structure interaction, appropriate material properties, coupling boundary conditions, and solution parameters.
• Modelling and simulation of real-world cases: preparing geometry (structural and acoustic fluid domains), meshing (with sufficient refinement per wavelength), applying excitations (e.g. vibrations or sound sources) and boundary conditions (e.g. absorbing boundaries), interior vs. exterior acoustics, damping.
• Result interpretation and validation: sound pressure levels, frequency response functions, mode shapes (structural, acoustic and coupled), and transmission loss.
• Brief outlook to advanced topics: flow-induced noise, aero-vibro-acoustics, acoustic fatigue.
• Regulatory and standardisation aspects, challenges and limitations, future trends.

Format

Each module includes video presentations (totalling ~6 hours of video content) where an instructor explains theoretical concepts, demonstrates practical best practices through case studies. Accompanying the videos, detailed textual content is provided for easy reading. This content could include derivations of fundamental equations and important formulas. It is also possible to provide participants with downloadable geometry and simulation result files in a neutral format. At the end of each module, a short quiz (5 - 10 questions) is delivered through the platform to reinforce key concepts. These include a mix of multiple-choice and calculation/interpretation questions.

Cost

The total cost is not expected to exceed £6000 (GBP), and it is expected that the document will be completed within 12 months from NAFEMS approval.

Guidance for Proposals

Each proposal should consist of:

• the proposed structure of the course with the titles and brief content of materials (videos, quizzes, etc.) to be developed,
• work plan including milestones and interim deliveries for early review,
• cost,
• The authors' credentials, curriculum vitae, etc. (Proposals from single authors and consortia will be considered),
• The PSE competencies that the publication is anticipated to address. Potential authors are encouraged to review the “Noise, Acoustics and Vibro-Acoustics” PSE technical area for relevant competencies. Contact technical@nafems.org to obtain access.

Submission

All proposals should be sent to NAFEMS at technical@nafems.org to arrive no later than 1st of January 2026.