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APPLICATION OF CFD SOFTWARE IN AUTOMOTIVE AERODYNAMICS
Ergashev Dostonbek Pratovich
Assistant, Andijan State Technical Institute
Abstract.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has evolved into an essential
methodology within the field of automotive aerodynamics, enabling detailed investigation of
airflow characteristics, aerodynamic forces, and thermal management strategies without the
prohibitive costs associated with physical wind tunnel testing. This paper provides an in-depth
review of contemporary CFD software employed in the automotive sector, encompassing both
commercial and open-source solutions. The discussion integrates technical performance,
modeling capabilities, and practical deployment scenarios, supported by comparative analysis
and literature-based validation. Results indicate that while commercial platforms deliver superior
integration, optimized solvers, and user support, open-source solutions remain indispensable in
research-oriented environments due to their adaptability and cost efficiency.
Keywords:
CFD, automotive aerodynamics, turbulence modeling, numerical simulation,
ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, Star-CCM+, simulation methodologies
1. Introduction
The aerodynamic design of a vehicle profoundly influences its efficiency, handling, and
environmental impact. The pursuit of lower drag coefficients and optimized airflow patterns has
driven manufacturers toward increasingly sophisticated simulation techniques. CFD occupies a
unique role in this evolution, bridging the gap between conceptual sketches and physical
prototypes.
Modern CFD workflows allow engineers to simulate airflow phenomena across complex
geometries with high fidelity, providing actionable insights at every stage of design. Beyond
performance optimization, CFD contributes to noise reduction, thermal management of engine
and battery systems, and the enhancement of safety-critical stability characteristics.
The present study investigates the capabilities and industrial applications of various CFD
software platforms, presenting a comparative assessment rooted in technical, economic, and
operational perspectives.
2. Methods
2.1. Selection of Software PlatformsThe research examined a representative range of CFD
platforms:
ANSYS Fluent – a leading commercial tool with extensive turbulence modeling options
and integration with multidisciplinary simulation.
Star-CCM+ – recognized for its polyhedral meshing and coupled multiphysics simulations.
OpenFOAM – an open-source framework offering unrivaled customization potential.
SimScale – a cloud-based service enabling browser-accessible CFD with scalable
computing resources.
Altair AcuSolve – a solver optimized for transient automotive applications.
2.2. Evaluation ParametersComparative analysis was structured around:
Turbulence model library and physical accuracy
Mesh generation quality and adaptability
CAD integration efficiency
Computational resource demand
User support, documentation, and community base
Licensing cost
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2.3. Data SourcesPrimary data was obtained from vendor documentation, academic
publications, and independent benchmark studies. Trial simulations on a standardized sedan
geometry provided empirical drag coefficient predictions.
3. Results
3.1. Comparative Software Capabilities
Software
Mesh
Quality
&
Flexibility
Turbulence
Models
CAD
Integration
Cloud
Support
Cd
Prediction
ANSYS
Fluent
Structured/Unstructure
d, polyhedral
k-ε, k-ω SST,
LES, DES
Strong
Limited
0.312
Star-CCM+ Automated polyhedral
meshing
k-ε, k-ω SST,
LES
Strong
Available
0.314
OpenFOA
M
Fully customizable
RANS, LES,
DES
Manual
External
0.315
SimScale
Automated meshing
k-ε, k-ω SST
Good
Full cloud
0.316
Altair
AcuSolve
Hexahedral dominant
k-ε, LES
Good
Available
0.313
3.2. Computational PerformanceCommercial solvers demonstrated faster convergence at
equivalent mesh resolutions, while OpenFOAM required expert-tuned settings to achieve similar
stability.
Figure 1 – Simulation time vs mesh size for different cfd software
This comparison shows that ANSYS Fluent and Star-CCM+ complete simulations faster at all
mesh sizes, while OpenFOAM requires more computation time as mesh complexity increases.
Cloud-based SimScale offers competitive performance but depends on internet bandwidth and
server allocation.
3.3. Economic ConsiderationsLicensing fees for commercial platforms can exceed $20,000
annually, whereas open-source systems incur no direct software cost but require greater
investment in skilled personnel.
4. Discussion.
The comparative evaluation underscores the trade-off between cost, usability, and
performance in selecting CFD software. Commercial solutions excel in production environments
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where integration, technical support, and reduced setup time are paramount. Conversely, open-
source tools empower research teams to implement novel models and customize solver behavior,
albeit with a steeper learning curve.
The adoption of cloud-based platforms like SimScale introduces operational flexibility,
enabling distributed teams to collaborate without high-end local hardware. However, internet
dependency and data security considerations must be managed. In practice, many automotive
firms adopt a hybrid workflow, using open-source tools for preliminary design exploration and
transitioning to commercial solvers for final validation and certification.
5. Conclusion
. CFD technology remains a cornerstone of modern automotive
aerodynamics. Its capability to simulate complex flow fields and iterate rapidly on design
concepts has fundamentally reshaped the development cycle. The choice of software should
align with project objectives, budget constraints, and available expertise.
Looking forward, advancements in AI-driven mesh generation, GPU-accelerated solvers,
and integrated optimization algorithms are likely to further enhance the role of CFD in the
automotive industry.
References
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Pearson Education, 2007. – 503 p.
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3. Siemens Digital Industries Software. Star-CCM+ User Guide. – Munich: Siemens, 2023. –
1280 p.
4. OpenFOAM Foundation. OpenFOAM v10 User Guide. – London: OpenFOAM Foundation,
2023. – URL: https://www.openfoam.com/documentation/
5. SimScale GmbH. SimScale Documentation. – Munich: SimScale, 2023. – URL:
https://www.simscale.com/docs/
6. Altair Engineering Inc. AcuSolve Theory Manual. – Troy: Altair, 2023. – 644 p.
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