Simulator for automotive applications PowerFLOW

for aeronautical applicationsfor aircraft

Overview
Aerodynamics Simulation delivers CFD-based fluid simulation to assess and optimize aerodynamic performance of aircraft, vehicles and large structures. Integrating simulation early in the design process enables engineers to evaluate airflow, iterate designs and reduce reliance on physical wind-tunnel tests.

Industry challenges solved

• Drag reduction and fuel/energy efficiency
• High-lift systems and flight dynamics
• Vehicle handling, transient aerodynamic effects and stability
• Soiling and particulate interaction (rain, mud, snow)
• Panel deformation and aeroelastic effects
• Wind-load evaluation for buildings and infrastructure

Aerodynamic design & simulation solutions
SIMULIA provides a portfolio of CFD tools for external aerodynamics, enabling detailed analysis across operational scenarios and design iterations.

Technology
SIMULIA aerodynamics solutions use high-performance Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) CFD to simulate airflow around large and complex geometries, including turbulent flows and air–liquid interactions. PowerFLOW is the SIMULIA product referenced for many vehicle and aircraft external-flow simulations.

Integrated workflows
Solutions integrate with aeroacoustics, structural and motion simulation and MODSIM modeling workflows to support multi-physics studies and coupled analyses.

Benefits for engineering teams

• Accelerate development by enabling virtual testing and early design iteration
• Reduce the number of physical prototypes and wind-tunnel campaigns
• Detect and correct aerodynamic issues earlier in the project
• Support design decisions across aircraft, vehicle and infrastructure programmes

Technical specifications

• Brand: SIMULIA (Dassault Systèmes)
• Primary simulation method: Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM)
• Primary product referenced: PowerFLOW
• Applicable flow regimes: subsonic to supersonic
• Supported analyses: drag/lift, aeroelasticity, transient vehicle handling, particulate transport/soiling, wind-load assessment
• Integration: aeroacoustics, structural and motion simulation, MODSIM workflows
• Typical use cases: aircraft external aerodynamics, vehicle aerodynamic efficiency, high-lift systems, wind loading on structures