Aerodynamics simulation changes the vehicle development process, reducing both vehicle development costs and design cycle time. Because of its inherent advantages over physical testing methods, simulation can bring much more feedback about the design performance into each stage of development, improving the ability for designers and engineers to innovate in balancing design aesthetics with aerodynamics. Simulation is more accurate than physical testing because of its ability to capture small details that might not be present on a physical reduced-scale model during the early design stage, and its ability to duplicate actual road conditions without interference from the wind tunnel walls and floor. Physical testing can lead to costly mistakes and delays due to accuracy problems. Finally, simulation can reduce the cost of the final vehicle by revealing design improvements earlier in the design phase that do not require additional parts and expense. Simulation provides cost savings and improvement in the final design.
The need for accuracy and timely delivery of design feedback places a high demand on aerodynamics simulation quality. The simulation must account for many real-world effects, realistic high-fidelity geometry of the vehicle; reproducing realistic test conditions such as road effects, rotating wheels, and oncoming flow conditions such as turbulence and wind gusts; and realistic simulation of transient turbulent aerodynamics. PowerFLOW is uniquely designed to bring realism into aerodynamics simulation. It is heavily validated across the entire ground transportation industry to bring the high accuracy and confidence required for design decisions.