BMW used the latest Exa PowerFlow water management capabilities to develop its windscreen sprayer modules
During an initial assessment and cross-correlation exercises between simulation and experiment, the software proved extremely helpful. Functional targets were set for the installation configuration. The targets for the sprayer operation are subject to numerous vehicle aerodynamic considerations.
Holger Gau, simulation specialist at BMW, said, “We have worked with the Exa PowerFlow water management application to assess its potential in the BMW engineering cycles, and to develop a process where, given the sprayer properties, simulation can predict the sprayer coverage over the entire operating range of the vehicle.
“We see growing requirements for water management simulation applications, and BMW expects that in the future simulation may address topics such as side window soiling, backlight visibility and others.”
In version 5.4 of the Exa PowerFlow software improvements have been made in four key areas in accuracy, applications, automation and accessibility.
New innovations in core physics enable simulation of tire tread patterns on rotating wheels as well as realistic conditions such as wind and upstream turbulence. These developments enable manufacturers to accurately assess vehicle performance, range and fuel efficiency, and satisfy regulations for all vehicle configurations.
PowerFlow 5.4 now offers the option to incorporate dirt, dust and water into the simulation with the real-world accuracy that only can be achieved using a transient solver. Powered by an extension to PowerFlow’s transient CFD simulator, the new particle handling capability enables automotive and truck manufacturers to deliver a safer and much-improved driving experience through better control of soil and water accumulation.
The new version automatically monitors and determines the optimal time to stop the simulation according to preset objectives, ensuring consistent and robust simulation results across disparate users.
It also provides for faster and more interactive 3D rotation of surface data through PowerInsight, facilitating accelerated access of simulation results and improved collaboration among departments.
April 11, 2017
