Andrew O’Sullivan, a SSECOID ESR at Cadence Design Systems with PhD affiliation at Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, presented groundbreaking research on Formula 1 aerodynamics at the AIAA Aviation Conference in Las Vegas in July 2024. The study, conducted in collaboration with McLaren Racing as part of the EU-funded SSeCoID project, focused on optimizing Front Wing configurations using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques.
O’Sullivan and the collaborators within SSECOID tested various simulation parameters, including mesh resolution, and compared the results with traditional CFD tools used in the industry. The presentation at the AIAA Aviation Conference was met with positive feedback from the audience, highlighting the significance of their findings.
The research emphasizes the growing importance of aerodynamics in vehicle design, particularly in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. By improving aerodynamic efficiency, significant fuel savings can be achieved across various modes of transport, including cars, trucks, airplanes, and even hydrofoils used in competitive sailing events like the America’s Cup.
O’Sullivan’s work specifically focuses on Large Eddy Simulation (LES) models, which are considered high-fidelity simulations in the CFD spectrum. These models offer a balance between accuracy and computational cost, potentially providing more reliable results than the simpler Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) models commonly used in industry.
The SSeCoID project aims to establish best practices for running accurate LES simulations, enabling aerodynamicists to leverage these advanced tools more effectively during the design phase. This approach could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle designs across various industries, from automotive to aerospace.
The collaboration between academia, industry partners like McLaren Racing, and software companies such as Cadence Design Systems demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of modern aerodynamics research and its potential impact on sustainable transportation solution
