GOVERNMENT

At the BMW WilliamsF1 team's headquarters, HP announced it played a critical role in the construction and aerodynamic modelling of the groundbreaking new shape of the FW26 car. Using an HP Linux-based supercomputing platform, the BMW WilliamsF1 team has supplemented traditional modelling techniques used in wind tunnel experiments with the ability to design, simulate and test in a virtual environment. As a result, the WilliamsF1 design team was able to develop the radical FW26 car by maximizing the time available for predictive aerodynamic design processes. The FW26 features: * A visibly shortened nose cone, with the front wing mounted on extended "tusks." The unusual interpretation of the front profile has been developed in conjunction with a twin keel monocoque design, facilitating air flow both under and over the front of the car and improving aerodynamics right through to the rear wing; * A narrower sidepod footprint that augments the front profiles of the car, further assisting aerodynamic performance. "HP's technology has made it possible for us to significantly improve the geometries of the car," said Naethan Eagles, senior computational fluid dynamics (CFD) aerodynamicist, WilliamsF1. "We have been able to capture and test many more models and get to a more satisfactory outcome far more quickly because of shortened design times and more accurate and quicker data capture and analysis." Since the HP Linux supercomputer platform was introduced over the course of 2003, the BMW WilliamsF1 team has been able to enhance aerodynamic simulation capabilities by a factor of three, making car design and analysis more efficient. Detailed CFD simulations allow a wider range of solutions to be explored during the team's tight development timescales. Elements of the design process could be reduced from three days to just 14 hours. "Computer simulations and virtual car modelling can help design teams to precisely and comprehensively plan, test and ultimately deliver optimal aerodynamic performance," said Dr. Tim Bush, manager, High Performance Technical Computing Division, HP EMEA. "Delivering this radical new car is the result of an advanced technological partnership between HP and WilliamsF1." The HP system is installed at the race team's headquarters in Grove, UK, where WilliamsF1 racing cars are built. HP's technology contribution includes: IT strategy development, integration and support; 24/7 global support on track, at tests and at the BMW WilliamsF1 team headquarters; a Linux-based HP Supercomputer Cluster utilizing industry-standard HP ProLiant servers for aerodynamic modeling and analysis; HP Integrity rx5670 servers running HP-UX; two HP AlphaServer supercomputers (HPC320 and SC40 cluster); a Transportable Data Center featuring second-generation HP ProLiant DL380 servers; wireless local area network (WLAN) connecting the servers with state-of-the-art tablet, desktop and notebook PCs; Printing and imaging solutions, which form an integral part of the design and manufacturing process (two HP Designjet 1050C and one HP Designjet 500PS, one HP LaserJet 9000N and a variety of HP LaserJet, Deskjet and inkjet printers). HP is principal sponsor to the BMW WilliamsF1 team. HP enables the team to focus on racing by providing products, technologies, solutions and services that support car design, performance management, manufacturing and testing telemetry.