Volkswagen Group adopts new Computational Fluids Dynamics (CFD) Process Developed with ICON

ICON and Volkswagen Group, Europe’s largest automaker, are pleased to announce the recent adoption of AeroFOAM, a methodology for performing predictive CFD simulations which is supported and developed by the inependent CFD service provider ICON.

The AeroFOAM process is the result of several years of collaboration which have refined a validated industrial process to enable cost-effective, scalable virtual design for Aerodynamics, Under-Hood Thermal Management and Vehicle Climate Control. A key strength of the solution is that it combines Icon’s CFD experience in supporting leading OEMs and suppliers, with a user interface which incorporates client-specific processes enveloping the open source software (OpenFOAM®). The primary Volkswagen brands adopting the AeroFOAM process are Audi, Volkswagen and SEAT.

Audi, Volkswagen and SEAT estimate that “the technical and business benefits delivered by the AeroFOAM process from ICON are significant” when speaking of ICON’s engineering and technical support operation combined with the rapid, customisable aspects of the AeroFOAM process and the financial benefits of using an open source solver. The Volkswagen Group “expects significant progress in their aerodynamics and aeroacoustics development process through the use of OpenFOAM® CFD technology“.

After the signing of a long term framework agreement between the comanies, Simon Weston, General Manager at ICON (London, UK) commented that “ICON are very pleased to support the Volkswagen Group with a fresh approach to CFD simulation processes. The Volkswagen Group has demonstrated great vision in supporting new innovation“.

About Volkswagen: The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. In 2007, the Group increased the number of vehicles delivered to customers to 6.189 million (2006: 5.734 million), corresponding to a 9.8 percent share of the world passenger car market.
The Group operates 48 production plants in thirteen European countries and a further six countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. Around the world, more than 329,000 employees produce almost 25,400 vehicles or are involved in vehicle-related services each working day. The Volkswagen Group sells its vehicles in more than 150 countries. The Group is made up of eight brands from six European countries: Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.