Over 95% of OEMs look to us...

Making a Design Impact Throughout the Vehicle

Compressing time-to-market and reducing development costs while increasing market share is the key to success for today’s leading automotive industry leaders. Suppliers and OEMs are integrating Exa's suite of software applications as part of their product design process for entire vehicle design – from external aerodynamic simulations of concept and production vehicles to fluid dynamic analysis of powertrain, climate control and other components. Due to the accuracy of Exa PowerFLOW, the transient results and ability to use fully detailed models, over 95% of the global automotive manufacturers look to Exa's simulation suite of software applications for engineering simulations.

Animations of PowerFLOW external aerodynamic simulation of these BMW vehicles demonstrate transient visualization of wake structures. Visualizing and sharing this information (along with drag & lift data) across departments helps engineers to develop efficient vehicles while maintaining attractive styling.
Images courtesy of BMW AG.

One Product Suite : Cost Savings Through Multiple Applications

With such broad capabilities and proven success, the return on investment for Exa PowerFLOW can take only weeks. Exa PowerFLOW reduces case setup time to a fraction of competitive methods, making even the most difficult simulations manageable and saving engineers days to weeks of work. See for yourself how this one software code can tackle so many complex internal and external flow simulations.

Using Exa PowerFLOW, it is possible to make design modifications based on accurate data of CFD simulations on everything from intake ports and HVAC ducting to aeroacoustic noise sourcing and thermal management needs. With one powerful tool, focused design engineering teams at automotive plants can collaborate to build tomorrow’s automobiles with a significant impact on areas such as warranty cost reduction, increased fuel economy and performance and styling enhancements.

Automotive Applications Include:

• External Aerodynamics
• Lift/Drag Prediction
• Noise Prediction
• Thermal Management
• Underbody Flows
• Underhood Flows & Engine Cooling
• Brake Cooling
• Exhaust Systems
• Tires & Wheel Wells
• Cabin Comfort (thermal)
• Windshield Wipers
• Design Optimization Testing
• HVAC
• Soiling Studies
• Fan Design
• Sunroof/Open Window
• Side Mirror/Wind Noise
• Rotating Wheels/Moving Ground Plane
• Multi-vehicle Studies
• Component Surface Temperatures
• Much, Much More!

External aerodynamic sideview of Nissan Azeal. Streamlines on plane demonstrate velocity and path of airflow along automobile.

PowerFLOW's Digital Wind Tunnel™

With PowerFLOW DWT, aerodynamicists and engineers can take advantage of digital tools designed specifically to replicate enhanced tunnel tests such as oil flows, rolling roads, surface pressures, detailed flow visualizations and more. In addition, a PowerFLOW DWT test simultaneously collects data for each and every point within the tunnel – allowing engineers and stylists to gain critical insight into the aerodynamic flow interactions. Thanks to Exa, engineers can truly view, communicate, analyze and understand tunnel test results with their design teams as never before.