Less altruistic, but still fun:
Formula One team BMW-Sauber has revealed the secret weapon in its attempt to move up the grid in 2007 — the fastest supercomputer in industrial use in Europe. The Swiss-based team has been using the computer [...] since early December to develop the complex aerodynamic components for its 2007 car.
Using a process called computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the team can simulate airflow around parts to aid downforce and aerodynamics and to improve the efficiency of engine and brake cooling.
CFD uses numerical grid models to calculate the performance of aero parts, some of which consist of more than 100 million cells.
Once designed, components are tested in a wind tunnel on a 60 percent model, reports ZDNet UK. "Unlike other teams, we're not planning to build a second wind tunnel," added BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen, "but will continue to bank on the consistently expanding potential in this area" � i.e., CFD.
