Motorsports Engineering - Renault Sport F1 Racing Ahead with CD-adapco's Engineering Simulation Software

NEW YORK and LONDON, Mar. 13, 2012: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) plays an increasingly critical role in modern Formula 1, not only in the design analysis of vehicle aerodynamics, but also in engine development through advanced in-cylinder simulation.

CD-adapco is helping expert engine supplier Renault Sport F1 by providing engineering simulation tools that aid the development of innovative solutions allowing « Powered by Renault » teams to compete at the front of the field again in 2012/13 also to the clean-sheet design of an entirely new power unit for the 2014 season.

The Renault Sport F1 engine design engineers use CD-adapco's CFD tools, STAR-CCM+ and STAR-CD to rapidly explore new concepts and validate design variables through the use of DOE (Design Of Experiment) thus accelerating the design process by eliminating costly prototyping and testing phases.

This year, Renault Sport F1 is representing one-quarter of the field by supplying four teams; Red Bull Racing, Lotus F1 Team, Caterham F1 Team and Williams F1 Team. In the previous two seasons, Renault Sport F1 engines have powered Red Bull Racing to consecutive World Championships.

Cedric Libert, Head of the simulation department, Renault Sport F1 commented, "CFD technology plays a fundamental role in the design and development of a modern F1 engine. The ability to simulate the behavior and performance of our designs quickly and accurately has a direct influence on our on-track performance. In addition to providing highly optimized solutions for the current V8 era, one of our biggest challenges at the moment is to develop the most innovative, energy saving 1.6 V6 turbocharged engine for the 2014 season. It is very clear that numerical simulation is vital for Renault Sport F1 to be able deliver this brand new F1 engine in less than 30 months. Through the extensive use of DOE, and with CD-adapco's STAR-CCM+ and STAR-CD solutions and expertise, we can innovate and heavily reduce our time to market. We are pleased to continue our relationship with CD-adapco, an acknowledged leader in this field, as we work towards our 2014 deadline."

Like all of the technology associated with Renault Sport F1, CD-adapco's products continue to evolve at great speed in order to stay in front of the competition. CD-adapco provides state-of-the-art simulation technologies for a broad range of applications including engine combustion, intake and exhaust, thermal cooling, batteries, electric motors, and turbochargers.

"Renault Sport F1's success is built around teamwork and CD-adapco is proud to be a part of that team," said Bill Clark, CD-adapco's VP Operations. "We have always been recognized as the leading tool in the automotive industry and are happy to continue demonstrating this by collaborating with winning industry partners like Renault Sport F1."