ENGINEERING

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND -- The WilliamsF1 team is accelerating the pace of Formula 1 race car design with a new supercomputing solution from Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ). Using Compaq's Tru64 UNIX-based AlphaServer SC series computing platform, the WilliamsF1 team can conduct virtual aerodynamic tests, such as the simulated performance of aerodynamic devices-in a matter of hours, instead of the weeks it used to take. The new supercomputing capabilities also give the team more time to experiment with a greater number of possible designs. This is important because, on average, design changes to one out of every 10 components of a race car can improve the car's aerodynamic performance. "We expect this new computing power to make an immediate contribution to the design developments of this year's race car -- the FW23 -- and of course to make a substantial contribution to next year's car," said Geoff Willis, Chief Aerodynamicist for the WilliamsF1 team. "Although the use of computerized aerodynamic research is widespread in Formula 1, like any mathematical tool, the main benefit comes from how the information is interpreted and how quickly and accurately it can be fed back into the front end of the design process. We think the combination of the new supercomputing capabilities from Compaq and our experienced team of aerodynamicists will help us achieve optimal results."

Compaq’s HPC160 System

The new computing system will become an integral part of WilliamsF1's expanded Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) testing facility in Grove, England, which is located near Oxford. CFD is a sophisticated analysis technique that uses computer power to predict the flow of liquids and gases, an essential tool to help progress the aerodynamic performance of racing car design. WilliamsF1's CFD system combines specially designed flow-modelling software and Compaq's Tru64 UNIX-based AlphaServer supercomputing platforms. "F1 is the most technologically driven sport in the world, and the WilliamsF1 Team is recognized as one of the most technologically focused teams," said Tom Yeates, Director, High Performance Systems, Compaq Computer Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The HPC160 computing solution, which is a combination of specialized software, our Tru64 Unix operating system and Alpha-based computer systems offers Williams the industry's leading supercomputing solution. Compaq's Alpha architecture is used to solve the world's most data-intensive computing problems, including mapping the human genome, seismic modelling and running crash simulations for major car manufacturers. Our Tru64 UNIX operating system was recognized as the best UNIX for reliability, availability and serviceability by rating number 1 by D.H. Brown Associates, a leading research and consulting firm in their report published this month." The WilliamsF1 organization has been a Compaq customer for many years. Since the 2000 racing season, Compaq is also sponsoring the BMW/WilliamsF1 Team, one of Formula One's top racing teams. As part of the sponsorship, Compaq is providing the computing power behind the BMW/WilliamsF1 Team, including the latest mobile computing technology, and systems which transfer critical race performance data, including fuel consumption, tire wear, and driver performance from the car to the crew on the pit wall. To catch a glimpse of Compaq and the new BMW/WilliamsF1 Team powering ahead, visit: www.compaq.com/F1 and www.bmw.williamsf1.com/ The combination of numerical simulation of products and processes with experimental verification is a key element of digital product development in the automotive and other manufacturing industries. Compaq is a leading supplier of products and technology to support digital product development.