The deal extends MSC’s offerings for acoustic and noise/vibration/harshness simulation. Transportation and consumer product development are target markets.

MSC Software has acquired Free Field Technologies (FFT), a developer of simulation software for acoustics and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). FFT’s customer list includes some of the largest manufactures in aeronautics, automotive, and high-end consumer goods. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Based in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, FFT’s main product is Actran, a suite for acoustic, vibro-acoustic and aero-acoustic modeling. Actran modules interface with most FEA structural analysis codes including MSC Nastran, Abaqus, and Ansys. FFT maintains offices in Toulouse, Tokyo, and Detroit, from which its 39 employees service customers. MSC says it will operate FFT will be a wholly owned division, maintaining existing sales, support, and development offices.

MSC CEO Dominic Gallello says FFT “is the best in the world” at what they do; “We are delighted to have such a talented team join MSC.” An MSC representative says product integration roadmaps are already being developed to bring FFT technology together with MSC’s structural analysis solutions to deliver a comprehensive acoustics and NVH simulation platform to MSC customer.