I-Simpa Review: Features, Benchmarks, and Alternative Tools I-Simpa is a free, open-source graphical user interface (GUI) designed for 3D acoustic simulation and modeling. Developed by the Université Gustave Eiffel and UMRAE in France, this software serves as a pre- and post-processor to host advanced numerical codes for sound propagation. It allows acousticians, researchers, and students to model how sound moves within complex three-dimensional environments. Key Features of I-Simpa
I-Simpa does not calculate sound on its own. Instead, it serves as an open environment that manages project data and coordinates calculation codes. Integrated Calculation Codes
The software comes pre-packaged with two built-in numerical codes:
SPPS (Sound Particle Position Tracking): An energetic model based on particle tracing. It is highly accurate for irregular architectural spaces.
TCR (Theory of Classical Reverberation): A statistical approach based on Sabine’s classical formula. It calculates reverberation times very quickly but assumes a uniform sound field. Geometry Importation and Repair
Users can build simple rectangular rooms inside the software or import complex 3D CAD files.
Supports common file formats like .3ds, .stl, .ply, and .poly.
Includes built-in mesh repair algorithms to fix gaps or overlapping surfaces in imported 3D models. Materials and Sources Databases