SynTrac co-chairs CEAS-ASC Workshop on Cabin Noise
The 27th CEAS-ASC Workshop on “Cabin Noise: Prediction, Testing, Reduction which took place from 20–21 October 2026 brought together experts from academia and industry at the Haus der Wissenschaft in Braunschweig to discuss current challenges and advances in cabin acoustics. The workshop is an instantiation of the annual meeting of the Aeroacoustics Specialists’ Committee of CEAS which focuses on the prediction, measurement and reduction of noise in aircraft, road vehicles and space applications.
This year the event was jointly organised by SynTrac and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), with SynTrac Spokesperson Sabine Langer of Technische Universität Braunschweig and Jan Delfs of DLR serving as workshop chairs.
Cabin noise remains an important challenge in the development of quieter and more comfortable transport systems. In aviation and road vehicles, noise generated by airflow, propulsion systems and structural vibrations can significantly influence passenger comfort and the overall acoustic environment.
The workshop provided a platform for researchers and engineers to exchange knowledge on experimental testing, numerical prediction methods and innovative noise-reduction strategies. Key topics included flow-induced noise, structure-borne sound, electric propulsion, propeller acoustics, psychoacoustics and noise-related challenges in space applications.
By bringing together different areas of expertise, the workshop aimed to strengthen the exchange between fundamental research and practical engineering applications.
The programme also featured contributions from industry representatives, including Stefan Moal of Airbus Aircraft and Michael Hartmann of the Volkswagen Group. Their keynote contributions highlighted the importance of cabin acoustics for comfortable transport systems and provided valuable insights into the approaches of these industry leaders.
The exchange between industrial practitioners and academic researchers is particularly relevant as manufacturers seek to meet increasingly demanding expectations for acoustic comfort while developing new propulsion technologies and more efficient transport systems.
The conference dinner provided an excellent opportunity to follow up on the technical presentations in a more relaxed and informal setting. It fostered engaging discussions, encouraged networking among participants, and facilitated the exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives.
In addition to the technical programme, an optional visit to the German Aerospace Center’s acoustic wind tunnels was offered for the afternoon of 21 October. The visit gave participants an opportunity to learn more about experimental facilities used to investigate aerodynamic noise and related acoustic phenomena.
The 27th CEAS-ASC Workshop on Cabin Noise provided a forum for the research community to discuss methods and technologies that can contribute to quieter aircraft, road vehicles and future transport systems. By addressing prediction, testing and noise reduction together, the workshop highlighted the importance of integrating acoustic considerations throughout the design and development process, an approach exemplified by the SynTrac CRC.
All photos: SynTrac
