The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has welcomed Siemens into its global partnership program as it expands the use of Siemens’ digital twin Xcelerator portfolio to create and refine the aerodynamic concepts that shape the regulations for single-seater race cars, from Formula 1 through Formula 4.
Using Siemens’ Designcenter NX software, the FIA can design complex vehicle models, visualize them in lifelike detail, and iterate digitally before running computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations on the model.
This process enables the FIA to test and optimize car designs for performance and safety in a virtual environment, significantly reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing and physical wind tunnel testing.
Since 2022, the FIA aerodynamics team has used Siemens’ Designcenter NX software to generate over 14,000 individual computer-aided design (CAD) parts for testing in over 10,000 CFD runs. Assessing the aerodynamics of cars digitally has reduced the environmental impact of manufacturing prototypes and physical wind tunnel testing.
“We’re proud to partner with global technology leaders like Siemens to shape the future of motorsport. This collaboration shows the strength of our wider partner network, where world-class brands are helping us deliver progress across performance, safety and sustainability,” said Craig Edmondson, chief commercial officer, FIA.
“Siemens gives us the precision tools to design and test complex aerodynamic concepts virtually, reducing environmental impact while improving performance and safety. This technology is key to ensuring that racing remains closer, fairer and more competitive — all while supporting our ambition to reach net zero by 2030,” added Jason Somerville, head of aerodynamics, FIA.
“We are proud to deepen our collaboration with the FIA as their official digital twin sponsor, supporting its mission to drive innovation, safety and sustainability,” commented Nand Kochhar, vice president, automotive and transportation, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Siemens Xcelerator is enabling the FIA and its partners to design, simulate and optimize with greater precision. This collaboration exemplifies how digital transformation can accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and technologically advanced future for mobility.”
The FIA will also expand its use of Siemens’ Teamcenter X software for product lifecycle management (PLM) as its platform for managing product-related information and processes and enabling collaboration with teams across FIA’s championships.
Additionally, it will extend adoption of Simcenter X software, which will provide access to a wider set of simulation tools such as Simcenter Amesim software, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ software and Simcenter HEEDS software.