Structural composite simulationprimary
3 projects
EXTREME, PSIDESC, and TREAL all focus on predicting behavior and defects in aerospace composite materials through simulation.
Organization
MSC SOFTWARE BELGIUM
Multi-physics simulation software provider for aerospace composites, acoustics, and additive manufacturing processes, based in Belgium.
Large industrial companytransportBENo active H2020 projects
H2020 projects
5
As coordinator
0
Total EC funding
€1.6M
Unique partners
26
What they do
Their core work
MSC Software Belgium (operating as Free Field Technologies / FFT) is a simulation software company specializing in multi-physics modeling for the aerospace industry. They develop and apply predictive simulation tools for structural composites, acoustic performance, additive manufacturing processes, and material reliability assessment. Their core contribution to EU projects is providing advanced finite element modeling, virtual testing platforms, and distortion prediction capabilities that reduce the need for costly physical prototyping in aircraft component development.
Core expertise
What they specialise in
Aerospace acoustic simulationprimary
1 project
CIRRUS applies numerical methods (LES, CAA) to predict and reduce core and turbine noise in ultra-high bypass ratio engines — their largest funded project at EUR 453,775.
1 project
PADICTON focuses on distortion prediction and design optimization for polymer aerospace parts made via Fused Filament Fabrication.
Virtual testing and reliability modelingsecondary
2 projects
TREAL develops a reliability-based virtual modeling platform with uncertainty quantification, and EXTREME pushes boundaries of dynamic load simulation.
Thermoplastic composite material modelingemerging
1 project
TREAL specifically addresses thermoplastic composite material allowables generation and damage tolerance through virtual methods.
Evolution & trajectory
How they've shifted over time
Early focus
Aerospace composite failure simulation
Recent focus
Advanced manufacturing and acoustic simulation
Their early H2020 work (2015-2017) centered on understanding failure in traditional aerospace composites — dynamic loading in EXTREME and defect prediction in PSIDESC. From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward next-generation materials and manufacturing: thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing with polymers, and acoustic design for new engine architectures. This evolution mirrors the aerospace industry's own transition from characterizing existing materials to simulating entirely new manufacturing processes and engine designs.
They are moving from passive material characterization toward predictive simulation of new manufacturing processes (additive, thermoplastics) and next-gen engine acoustics — positioning themselves as essential virtual prototyping partners for future aircraft programs.
Collaboration profile
How they like to work
Role: specialist_contributorReach: European10 countries collaborated
MSC Software Belgium operates exclusively as a specialist participant, never coordinating projects. With 26 unique partners across 10 countries from just 5 projects, they join relatively large consortia (averaging 5+ partners per project) and rarely repeat partnerships. This pattern is typical of a technology provider that brings a specific simulation capability to diverse research teams rather than building long-term bilateral relationships.
They have collaborated with 26 distinct partners across 10 European countries through 5 projects, indicating broad but non-concentrated networking. Their partnerships span aerospace OEMs, research institutes, and materials specialists, primarily through Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking consortia.
Why partner with them
What sets them apart
Unlike academic partners who publish research or manufacturers who build hardware, MSC Software Belgium sits at the critical junction: they translate physics into predictive software tools that the entire consortium relies on. Their combination of acoustic simulation (CIRRUS), structural composites modeling (EXTREME, PSIDESC, TREAL), and additive manufacturing prediction (PADICTON) means they can simulate an aerospace component from material selection through manufacturing to in-service acoustic performance. Few organizations in Europe combine this breadth of multi-physics aerospace simulation under one roof.
Notable projects
Highlights from their portfolio
- CIRRUSLargest funding (EUR 453,775) and addresses the commercially critical challenge of noise reduction in next-generation ultra-high bypass ratio aircraft engines.
- TREALBuilds a complete reliability-based virtual testing platform for thermoplastic composites — potentially replacing expensive physical test campaigns with simulation.
- PADICTONBridges additive manufacturing with aerospace certification by predicting part distortion in polymer 3D printing, a key barrier to industrial adoption.
Cross-sector capabilities
Manufacturing — additive manufacturing process simulation and distortion predictionEnergy — acoustic modeling applicable to wind turbine noiseSpace — composite material simulation transferable to launch vehicle and satellite structuresDigital — virtual testing platforms and uncertainty quantification methods applicable across industries
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