the land rover discovery was revealed at the paris motor show in early october and, despite its standard exterior, provided a look at the future of automotive design. the most advanced model of the discovery was developed using simulation technology, known as virtual engineering.
(wikimedia commons)
of course, engineers also used prototypes and did physical testing to ensure the design worked, but the process began with software that tested parts and gave engineers analysis of fluid flow to provide optimal thermal management for components. using simulations early in the process also clued engineers into dead ends prior to making expensive prototypes or taking next steps in the design process.
as an article on alphr.com noted, “prototypes also take time to make, and if they show a design isn’t viable, it takes even more time to manufacture another component of a different design.”
simulations shorten time to market. it has become increasingly popular in the automotive sphere, particularly in the world of formula 1 racing. only after simulations are proven to work do the parts get 3-d printed our manufactured for physical testing.
the virtual engineering allowed designers to focus on fuel economy, cooling airflow, and brake cooling systems, according to a statement from land rover. it continued, “over 1,000 simulations were run during the course of development for tackling items such as the air curtain, slotted spoiler, aero wheels, dirt, and water management.”
utilizing simulations in thermal management is nothing new and some companies, such as advanced thermal solutions, inc. (ats) in norwood, mass., ensure that analytical (integral) modeling is the first step to solving the thermal issues in any project. it forces thermal management to be considered early on, saving money, time, and effort in the process and preventing over-design of a project.
read more about how ats approaches a project at http://www.qats.com/cms/2016/08/25/integral-modeling-is-first-step-for-ats-engineers.
to learn more about the new land rover discovery, click http://www.alphr.com/cars/1004453/the-new-land-rover-discovery-2017-is-a-feat-of-virtual-engineering. the full details about the new land rover can be found at http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/land-rover/discovery/93234/new-land-rover-discovery-2017-prices-specs-pictures-and-full-details.
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