Actran
Simulation & CAE software
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What is Actran
Actran is a computer-aided engineering (CAE) software suite for simulating acoustics, vibro-acoustics, and aeroacoustics using finite element and boundary element methods. It is used by engineering teams to predict noise and vibration performance of products such as vehicles, aircraft components, and industrial equipment. The platform supports coupled structural-acoustic analysis and includes workflows for acoustic materials and radiation problems, typically integrating with upstream CAD/FEA preprocessing and downstream post-processing tools.
Specialized acoustics solvers
Actran focuses on acoustic, vibro-acoustic, and aeroacoustic simulation rather than general-purpose multiphysics. It provides dedicated formulations for interior/exterior acoustics, radiation, and coupling between structures and acoustic cavities. This specialization can reduce the need to adapt general numerical tools for acoustics-specific problems.
Coupled vibro-acoustic workflows
Actran supports coupled analyses where structural vibration excites acoustic fields and vice versa. This is relevant for NVH-style studies such as cabin noise, enclosure acoustics, and component radiation. The product is commonly positioned to work alongside structural FE models and to exchange results with other CAE steps in an engineering workflow.
Acoustic materials modeling
Actran includes capabilities aimed at modeling porous and acoustic treatment materials used for noise control. This helps teams evaluate the impact of liners, foams, and other treatments on sound absorption and transmission in simulation. Having these models in the same environment as the acoustic solvers can streamline iteration compared with assembling custom scripts and solvers.
Narrower than general CAE
Actran is purpose-built for acoustics and NVH-related domains, so it may not cover broader mechanical, thermal, or general multiphysics needs in one package. Organizations often still require separate tools for geometry preparation, meshing, and non-acoustic physics. This can increase toolchain complexity compared with more general engineering platforms.
Steep learning curve
Acoustic and vibro-acoustic simulation requires specialized domain knowledge (e.g., boundary conditions, damping assumptions, frequency-domain interpretation). Users typically need training to build reliable models and interpret results. Teams without prior acoustics CAE experience may face longer onboarding times than with more general numerical computing environments.
Integration depends on ecosystem
Practical use often depends on interoperability with CAD/FEA preprocessors, solvers, and PLM processes already in place. Data exchange, meshing standards, and result mapping can require configuration and process definition. The effort varies by organization and can affect time-to-value for new deployments.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan / Module | Price (official site) | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Actran (commercial / base - Actran Acoustics) | Contact sales — price not published on official site | Foundation acoustic module; modal & physical cavity analyses, porous material models, infinite elements; modular deployment. (Hexagon product page). |
| Actran VibroAcoustics (module) | Contact sales — price not published on official site | Vibro‑acoustic coupling, realistic mounting/boundary conditions, high‑performance solvers; complements Actran Acoustics. (Hexagon product pages). |
| Actran AeroAcoustics (module) | Contact sales — price not published on official site | Aero‑acoustic solver for flow‑generated noise; couples with CFD results. (Hexagon product pages). |
| Actran TM (turbomachinery module) | Contact sales — price not published on official site | Specialized for turbomachinery noise prediction; parallel solver technologies. (Hexagon product page). |
| Actran DGM / SNGR (aeroacoustic variants) | Contact sales — price not published on official site | DGM: discontinuous Galerkin methods for complex flows; SNGR: noise from steady CFD – faster source synthesis. (Hexagon product pages). |
| Actran VI (pre/post processor) | Contact sales — price not published on official site | Dedicated GUI for pre/post‑processing of Actran modules; supports many mesh/result formats. (Hexagon product page). |
| Actran Student Edition | Free — downloadable (official site links to student edition download) | Free student edition available for teaching/learning (Actran Student Edition page provides a free download link). |
Notes: All commercial Actran modules on Hexagon/MSC pages show "Contact sales" or "Product enquiry" and do not list public list prices. Student Edition is explicitly offered as a free download on Hexagon's official site.
Seller details
Hexagon AB
Stockholm, Sweden
1982
Public
https://www.hexagon.com/
https://x.com/hexagonab
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hexagon-ab
