Prodrive Deploys Altair's Computational Fluid Dynamics Solution to Streamline Powertrain Development

Water jacket simulation for Vantage V8 GTE Engine using AcuSolve®, part of HyperWorks®

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Sep 30, 2014, 10:00 ET

TROY, Mich., Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair announced today that British motorsport and engineering group Prodrive has deployed AcuSolve® for its Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. AcuSolve is a leading general-purpose CFD flow solver with superior robustness, speed and accuracy. Users can quickly obtain quality solutions without iterating on solution procedures. AcuSolve is seamlessly coupled with the structural solvers of HyperWorks®, a comprehensive suite of computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools which enable businesses to create superior, market-leading products efficiently and cost effectively.

Prodrive wanted to analyze and improve the fluid flow within the water jacket of Aston Martin Racing engines and were aiming to achieve reliable results in a short period of time. The challenge was to solve several iterations of a model with complex geometry within a compressed timeframe by relatively inexperienced users. The team selected AcuSolve to generate a process and methodology that allowed for ease of use and repeatability.

The process ensured that every step ran smoothly and both pre-processing and post-processing were accomplished in a short period of time. Automation made the analysis of new geometry user-friendly and easily accomplished. AcuSolve's proven accuracy meant that Prodrive could save considerable time and the cost of expensive laboratory testing, while gaining an understanding of its designs not previously possible without CFD tools.

"Having used Altair's HyperWorks for several years, I was aware of how powerful it is as well as easy to use," Prodrive's senior CAE engineer Jonathan Culwick commented. "However, when we decided to bring CFD capability in-house, I was concerned about the challenge of switching from outsourcing. AcuSolve's robustness and Altair's customer support made the process quick and painless, enabling us to make the leap and achieve a level of analysis that really enhanced our problem solving and decision-making abilities."

Altair's unique unit-based licensing system plays an important role in maximizing all of Prodrive's processing power, as it empowers CAE engineers to fully utilize the entire HyperWorks software suite as necessary, without having to deal with increased licensing costs. This flexibility was very important to Prodrive, as it enables the engineers to better manage their computational resources and workload. It is the company's goal to fully leverage additional capabilities within Altair's HyperWorks in the future.

"We are pleased to see Prodrive choose AcuSolve to carry out this innovative project," said Hakan Ekman, Altair Managing Director, Northern Europe. "It is encouraging to see engineers deploy Altair's CFD solution within their design process, proving that AcuSolve can be used by analysts with all levels of expertise to quickly obtain quality solutions in shorter timescales."

About Prodrive
Prodrive is one of the world's largest and most successful motorsport and technology businesses. With more than 500 staff in the UK, it is perhaps best known for the motorsport programs it runs for Aston Martin Racing and MINI in world rallying. However, motorsport is just one part of an organization which in the last decade has diversified to become a technology business working in a range of sectors, including automotive, aerospace, defense and marine, and providing a range of services including the design and manufacture of lightweight composites to special vehicle programs for some of world's leading vehicle manufacturers. For more information please visit www.prodrive.com.

About Altair
Altair is focused on the development and broad application of simulation technology to synthesize and optimize designs, processes and decisions for improved business performance. Privately held with more than 2,300 employees, Altair is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA and operates more than 40 offices throughout 22 countries. Today, Altair serves more than 5,000 corporate clients across broad industry segments. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com.

SOURCE Altair