Case Study: Airbus reduces aircraft noise with MSC Software Actran

Simulation Helps Airbus Optimize Acoustic Liners and Reduce Aircraft Noise

Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, faced the challenge of reducing aircraft engine noise to meet increasing airport restrictions. The design of engine nacelle acoustic liners was particularly difficult due to conflicting requirements for performance, weight, and durability. To overcome this, Airbus partnered with MSC Software and adopted their Actran acoustic simulation software to move from a costly physical testing process to a simulation-based design approach.

MSC Software's solution involved using Actran to create accurate simulations of noise radiation, which were integrated into an automated in-house chain called ANaNax. This allowed Airbus engineers to efficiently run thousands of liner optimization cases. The results significantly reduced development time and costs by avoiding expensive post-design changes. MSC Software's technology helped Airbus design best-in-class, lighter acoustic solutions, providing huge financial impact for airlines and enabling the use of simulation for new applications like auxiliary power units.

Airbus

Jean-Yves Suratteau

Head of Numerical Methods, Acoustics & Environment Dept.