TARGET GROUP: 30 participants x 3 topics - Acoustics and/or mechanical vibrations students with at least basic knowledge + professional development of graduates (special prerequisites can be defined as requested by educators)

PARALLEL EDUCATION MODULES:

Module 1: Future Soundscapes 

Organiser:

• Francesco Aletta, University College London

Educators:

• Francesco Aletta, University College London, UK
• Antonio José Torija Martinez, University of Salford Manchester, UK
• Volkan Acun, University of Salford Manchester, UK
• Radi Serafimov, HEAD acoustics, Germany

This module covers;

• Lectures & practical exercises: soundscape, psychoacoustics, AI in soundscape
• Hands-on: sound design for future e-mobility
• Exam (optional – for students)

Theory:
The Future Soundscapes module is an advanced training course focused on contemporary methods for soundscape assessment and prediction, grounded in the ISO 12913 framework. The course explores soundscape theory, human perception, and psychoacoustics as the basis for structured data collection, analysis, and interpretation across indoor, outdoor, and natural environments.
Participants will engage with current soundscape assessment methodologies, soundscape indicators and descriptors, and the theory behind and application of soundscape prediction models. The training also introduces emerging analytical approaches, including AI-assisted data processing and modelling, and considers how these tools can support evidence-based design, planning, and decision-making within existing regulatory and standards-based contexts.

PBL: Perception-Driven Design in Acoustics
This course introduces perception driven design in acoustics, moving beyond traditional sound level approaches. It aims to explore state of the art methods including auralisation, psychoacoustic testing, and advanced noise and sound quality metrics. Furthermore, the course examines practical applications and success measures to enhance acoustic design aligned with human perception.

Module 2: Room acoustics analysis methods and solutions for open plan offices

Organiser:

• Peter Svensson, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

Educators:

• Peter Svensson, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
• Valtteri Hongisto, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland

This module covers;

• Lectures & exercises: room acoustics modelling & theory, function-specific problems, parameters and solutions, introduction of ISO 3382-3:2022 and, ISO 22955:2021 on measurement and quality, analysis of measurements, screen design for open plan offices
• Hands-on: measurement of screen effectivity based on different layouts
• Exam (optional – for students)

Theory:
This course provides an integrated overview of room acoustics for open-plan offices, combining theoretical foundations, measurement methods, noise control solutions and a case study on acoustic screens.
It gives a short review of fundamental room acoustics theory, with a focus on geometrical acoustics and diffuse-field theory. The concepts of coupled spaces and noise barriers, and their relationship to open landscape offices, will then be discussed in more detail. Possibilities and limitations for geometrical acoustics-based methods and typical room acoustic simulation software will be discussed. Function-specific acoustic criteria, ISO 3382-3 methods, and noise control solutions will be introduced together with case studies.

PBL: Room Acoustics Characterization Through Measurements
This study evaluates a demo room under two conditions. Initial measurements include A-weighted SPL of speech, background noise, STI, and ISO 3382-3 parameters, compared with predictions using an online regression model. In the modified setup, screens are added, and the same procedures are repeated to assess their impact on acoustic performance.

PBL: Screens For Offices
This study presents an analysis of measurement results, simulations, and the overall acoustic performance of the demo room (with and without acoustic screens), and assesses acoustic improvements using an online model.

Module 3: Non-Linear Modal Analysis and Substructuring

Organiser:

• Nevzat Özgüven, Middle East Technical University, Turkiye

Educators:

• H. Nevzat Özgüven, Middle East Technical University, Turkiye
• Matt Allen, Brigham Young University, USA
• Dario Di Maio, University of Twente, Netherlands

This module covers;

• Lectures & exercises: modal analysis of linear systems, frequency based substructuring, analytical and experimental modal analysis of nonlinear systems
• Hands-on: vibration measurements
• Exam (optional for students)

Theory:
The Experimental Linear Modal Analysis module will focus on deriving modal properties from Frequency Response Functions (FRFs). The course is focussed on Single and Multi-Degree of Freedom systems for which many intuitive analysis techniques will be explained and applied. Moreover, examples of FRF visualisations will show how to inspect the linearity of an FRF.
A frequency based substructuring (FBS) framework is used to cover linear substructuring fundamentals such as compatibility, equilibrium and primal/dual assembly. Interface considerations are reviewed including virtual point transformations and the transmission simulator method. Modal substructuring methods are also briefly introduced, as well as their relationship to interface reduction.
Analytical and experimental modal analysis of nonlinear systems will be investigated based on the quasi-linear property of nonlinear systems. Response-controlled harmonic testing provides quasi-linear FRFs from which a response-dependent modal model of a nonlinear system can be derived. Applications of the method on benchmark structures and complex engineering systems will be presented.

PBL: Structural Vibration Measurements
This workshop offers a live demonstration of structural vibration measurements. Learn practical techniques like FRF acquisition using impact or shaker testing, and perform experimental modal analysis with commercial software. Discover pre-test optimization, model correlation with FEA, and how to leverage experimental data for advanced research. This workshop complements the theory sessions.

Who should attend?
This course is designed for practicing engineers, students, and faculty interested in gaining a deeper understanding of linear and nonlinear modal analysis and frequency-based substructuring.