The Value of CAE in Motorsports – Part 1

From NASCAR to Formula 1, and from rallying to stock-car racing, one can argue there are few things in life that inspire as much emotion and excitement as do motorsports. Unified in a perpetual state of wide open throttle,  all forms of automobile racing employ some combination of velocity, acceleration and g forces to deliver a potent, high-adrenaline experience unlike any other. Given its numerous manifestations, and vast enthusiast following, automobile racing collectively represents one of the most watched and televised sporting events in the world today.

The only thing better than competing in motorsports – is winning. Race teams today are employing every measure imaginable to lock-in the checkered flag on race day. Due to the highly regulated nature of motorsports intended to foster an even playing field, a winning edge must necessarily derive from incremental improvements. Think ‘evolution’ and not ‘revolution’ here. An amalgamation of minute tweaks, adjustments, and optimizations that culminate in just enough added downforce, reduced weight, or enhanced fuel efficiency could easily mean the difference between victory and defeat.

To go after these small but crucial pockets of opportunity that potentially aggregate into a winning advantage, race teams today are embracing simulation and CAE technology.

Charles MacDonald relies on Siemens CAE technology for competition race car design at Hendrick Motorsports.  Check out the following interview with him at the recent 2011 NX CAE Symposium..    Charles MacDonald of Hendrick Motorsports

CAE empowers engineers to understand the consequences of performance-enhancing measures such as component lightweighting. This gives teams the confidence to really push the envelope, knowing that they are not compromising safety or dependability in their quest to bring home the trophy.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Mark