VIBRATEC

Their core work

VIBRATEC is a French engineering SME specializing in noise, vibration, and acoustics (NVA) analysis and simulation for the transport sector. They provide experimental measurement, numerical simulation (LES, CAA), and software tool development to reduce noise and vibration in aircraft engines and railway systems. Their work spans from engine acoustic testing and cabin noise prediction to railway pass-by noise characterization and ground vibration modelling, serving both aviation OEMs and rail operators.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

VIBRATEC's early H2020 work (2016–2018) centered on aviation acoustics — cabin noise, engine cradle instrumentation, and turboprop testing under Clean Sky 2. From 2019 onward, they expanded significantly into railway applications: pass-by noise certification tools, locomotive bogie maintenance, ground vibration modelling, and rail vehicle comfort. Their most recent coordinated project (CIRRUS, 2020) shows they maintained aviation expertise while building a strong parallel track in rail NVH and simulation software.

VIBRATEC is broadening from pure aviation acoustics toward a multi-modal transport NVH consultancy, with growing emphasis on software tools, auralisation, and condition-based maintenance for railways.

How they like to work

VIBRATEC coordinates nearly half its projects (4 of 9), which is unusually high for an SME — they clearly have the project management capability to lead EU consortia. With 48 unique partners across 13 countries, they maintain a wide collaborative network rather than relying on a small circle of repeat partners. This breadth, combined with their coordinator track record, makes them an accessible and experienced consortium partner for both aviation and rail projects.

VIBRATEC has collaborated with 48 distinct partners across 13 European countries, reflecting a well-connected position in both the Clean Sky 2 and Shift2Rail ecosystems. Their network spans major aerospace and rail research communities across Western and Central Europe.

What sets them apart

VIBRATEC occupies a rare niche as an SME that bridges aviation and railway acoustics with equal depth — most NVA firms specialize in one transport mode. Their ability to coordinate EU projects (4 out of 9) is exceptional for a small company and signals strong technical leadership and administrative reliability. For consortium builders, they bring both hands-on experimental testing capability and numerical simulation expertise, making them a versatile technical partner rather than a pure research contributor.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CIRRUS
  Their largest funded project (EUR 886K) as coordinator, tackling core noise reduction for next-generation ultra-high bypass ratio aircraft engines — a top priority for aviation environmental compliance.
• SILVARSTAR
  Demonstrates their pivot to railway software tools, developing auralisation and visualisation capabilities for predicting soil vibration and noise impact from rail infrastructure.
• CANOBLE
  Early coordinator project (EUR 584K) on cabin noise from boundary layer excitation — a technically demanding problem combining aeroacoustics with structural vibration.