Imagine you could "hear" how a train will sound before it's even built — and then try out different noise fixes to find the cheapest one that actually works. That's what DESTINATE built: a virtual sound studio where engineers can simulate railway noise, both inside the cabin and outside for neighbours, and then listen to the difference each design change makes. They also built a calculator that puts a price tag on each noise fix, so decision-makers can compare options without expensive physical prototypes. Think of it like a fitting room for noise solutions — try before you buy.
Railway companies face a costly dilemma: noise regulations are getting stricter, but testing noise mitigation solutions on physical prototypes is expensive and slow. There is no easy way to compare which combination of design changes gives the best noise reduction per euro spent. Companies end up over-engineering (spending too much) or under-engineering (failing compliance) because they lack tools to predict both the acoustic result and the cost together.
DESTINATE built a railway noise simulation system with auralization (you can listen to predicted noise) and visualization (you can see the train and environment in virtual reality), demonstrated in a multimedia studio. They also developed cost-effectiveness prediction tools that compare different noise mitigation options, and validated sound source characterization methods for both structure-borne and airborne noise. The project produced 4 deliverables in total.
If you are a train manufacturer dealing with tightening EU noise regulations and rising costs of physical prototyping — this project developed auralization and visualization tools that let you simulate interior and exterior noise during the vehicle design process. You can test mitigation measures virtually in a multimedia studio before committing to expensive hardware changes, cutting design iteration costs.
If you are an infrastructure operator dealing with noise complaints from communities along rail corridors — this project developed cost-benefit analysis tools that compare different noise abatement options and rank them by cost-effectiveness. Instead of guessing which barriers or track treatments will satisfy regulations, you get data-driven decision support that accounts for human perception of annoyance.
If you are a noise consulting firm advising rail operators or municipalities on noise mitigation — this project developed validated sound prediction simulation models that accurately characterize structure-borne and airborne sound sources. These tools let you deliver more accurate noise impact assessments and recommend solutions your clients can actually hear in a virtual demo before approving spend.
The project data does not include specific licensing or implementation costs. DESTINATE was developed under the Shift2Rail programme with 9 consortium partners, so commercialization terms would need to be discussed directly with the coordinator at TU Berlin or the industry partners involved.
The tools were designed for the vehicle design process and for evaluating noise mitigation across rail corridors. The simulation models handle both structure-borne and airborne sound sources, and the cost-effectiveness prediction component is built to support decision-making across multiple design options simultaneously.
DESTINATE was funded under Shift2Rail, which has specific IP rules for the rail sector. The consortium of 9 partners across 6 countries includes 4 industry partners who likely hold joint IP. Licensing terms would need to be clarified with TU Berlin as coordinator.
The project was specifically designed to support compliance with noise requirements by providing accurate noise prediction and cost-benefit analysis of mitigation measures. The auralization tools account for human perception of annoyance, which aligns with how EU noise directives evaluate impact.
Based on available project data, the auralization synthesizer underwent quality validation, and listening tests were conducted to assess the results. The deliverable on multimedia studio demonstration describes validation of the synthesizer quality against recordings and measurements.
The project developed sound prediction simulation models that require accurate characterization of sound sources as input. Based on available project data, integration with specific CAD or design platforms would need to be discussed with the consortium's industry partners.
DESTINATE brought together 9 partners from 6 countries (Germany, Netherlands, UK, Spain, Poland, Switzerland) with a balanced mix of 4 industry players and 4 universities plus 1 research organization. The 44% industry ratio signals genuine commercial interest — these are not just academics talking to each other. Coordinated by TU Berlin, a leading technical university, the project operated under the Shift2Rail programme, which is the EU's dedicated railway innovation initiative with strong industry governance. The absence of SMEs suggests the tools target large-scale railway operations rather than niche consulting. For a business looking to adopt these tools, the industry partners in the consortium are the most likely path to technology transfer.
TU Berlin, Germany — reach out to the railway acoustics or vehicle engineering department
Want to connect with the DESTINATE team to explore licensing or collaboration? SciTransfer can arrange an introduction and help you evaluate fit for your noise challenges.
