Mastering ground vibration testing for next-generation aircraft: Join the Simcenter GVT masterclass Europe 2026

Event details at a glance

• 📅 Date: September 15–18, 2026
• 📍 Location: Hogeschool VIVES – VVIVES University of Applied Sciences, Ostend,  Belgium  
• 🧪 Format: 4-day in-person masterclass with hands-on workshops
• 👥 Seats: Limited for an optimal learning experience

Aerospace innovation is accelerating—driven by the rapid development of military drones, UAVs and next-generation eVTOL aircraft with distributed electric propulsion and tilt-rotor architectures.

These new configurations are pushing structural dynamics and ground vibration testing into uncharted territory. Compared to conventional large fixed-wing aircraft, engineers are now dealing with:

• Highly coupled structures
• Increased sensitivity to nonlinear behaviour
• New aeroelastic challenges driven by lightweight designs and distributed propulsion

In this context, ground vibration testing (GVT) remains a critical validation step—ensuring that these innovative aircraft are safe, compliant and ready for flight.

To support engineers tackling these challenges, Siemens Digital Industries Software is hosting the Simcenter Ground Vibration Testing Masterclass Europe, taking place September 15–18, 2026, at VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Ostend, Belgium

Why GVT is essential for modern aircraft programs

Whether you are developing a VTOL aircraft, modifying a military platform or validating a UAV, GVT provides the experimental backbone for:

• Verifying structural dynamic behaviour
• Extracting modal parameters (frequencies, damping, mode shapes)
• Supporting flutter analysis and certification
• Validating simulation models before first flight

As certification authorities increasingly scrutinize aeroelastic stability, mastering GVT is no longer optional—it is a core capability for aerospace engineering teams.

See it in action: highlights from previous masterclass

Want a glimpse of what to expect?

The video showcases the interactive format, hands-on testing sessions and collaboration between participants and experts—giving you a clear idea of the learning experience.

I very much like the practical sessions and the sequence they’re organized. We begin from simple specimens and then go to full aircraft.

Learn from industry leaders and renowned experts

What makes the 2026 masterclass particularly unique is the combination of Siemens practical expertise and contributions from leading institutions across aerospace, research and academia.

Confirmed guest speakers:

• Elena Garcia-Sanchez
  Structures Expert, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
  → Bringing insights into certification requirements and aeroelastic compliance
• Julian Sinske
  Team Lead, Structural Dynamics Testing, German Aerospace Center (DLR)
  → Sharing real-world experience from advanced aerospace testing programs
• Gaetan Kerschen
  Professor and Nonlinear Vibration Expert, University of Liège
  → Providing deep expertise on nonlinear dynamics in aerospace structures

Together with Siemens Engineering Services GVT specialists, these speakers bring a rare blend of certification, research and hands-on testing expertise.

A hands-on masterclass built around real aircraft testing

This is not a theoretical training. Over four days, participants will experience a complete GVT workflow, combining lectures with real-world application:

• Perform testing on a full-scale aircraft platform and UAV demonstrator
• Apply techniques on physical scale models during guided sessions
• Work through the full process—from setup to modal analysis and correlation

Every concept is reinforced through hands-on practice—ensuring immediate applicability in real programs.

Detailed agenda: from certification to advanced testing techniques

The 2026 agenda is structured around the real phases of a GVT campaign, combining fundamentals, advanced techniques and practical sessions.

Day 1: Foundations and test preparation

• Certification requirements for aeroelastic stability
• Instrumentation and suspension techniques
• GVT test setup and validation
• Live setup demonstration and hands-on session

Day 2: Modal analysis and random testing

• Modal analysis theory
• Pre-test analysis
• Random excitation techniques
• GVT random testing demo and hands-on

Day 3: Sine testing and nonlinear behavior

• Sine excitation techniques
• Impact of nonlinearities in aircraft structures
• Shaker–structure interaction
• GVT sine testing demo and hands-on

Day 4: Advanced techniques and integration

• Normal modes tuning techniques
• Structure coupling tests
• Panel discussion with experts
• GVT normal modes testing demo and hands-on

This structure ensures that participants build knowledge progressively—from fundamentals to advanced, real-world problem solving.

What you will gain

By the end of the masterclass, you will be able to:

• Plan and execute complex GVT campaigns
• Apply advanced excitation and identification techniques
• Understand and mitigate nonlinear structural behaviour
• Correlate test results with finite element models and simulations
• Confidently contribute to certification and flight readiness

Who should attend?

This masterclass is designed for professionals working on cutting-edge aerospace programs, including:

• Test and validation engineers
• Structural dynamics specialists
• Simulation and CAE engineers
• Certification and program engineers
• Teams working on UAVs, eVTOLs, military aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft  and advanced configurations

Participation fee and registration

The early registration fee for the four-day masterclass is:

• €3,500 (+ applicable taxes)

This includes:

• Daily refreshments and lunch
• A networking social event
• Full access to all training materials

Learn more about ground vibration testing: