CFD and CAD software in F1

[Fluido]

What CFD and CAD software use F1 teams, is it known which team uses which program ?

[jjn9128]

Probably an even split between NX and Catia.

Red Bull are the biggest team using NX, Merc the biggest using Catia.

[Fluido]

Probably an even split between NX and Catia.

Red Bull are the biggest team using NX, Merc the biggest using Catia.

That is CAD, what CFD they use?

[jjn9128]

Generally proprietary. Sometimes based on some commercial software like star ccm but also often foam based.

[Fluido]

Generally proprietary. Sometimes based on some commercial software like star ccm but also often foam based.

Why they make their own codes, commercial software is not accurate enough?

[jjn9128]

In F1, the exact software used by specific teams tends to be kept under wraps, but here's what we know:

Common CFD Software:

ANSYS Fluent: Widely used for its accuracy and robustness.
STAR-CCM+: Popular for its user-friendly interface and ease of customization.
OpenFOAM: Open-source option gaining traction for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Common CAD Software:

CATIA V5: Industry standard for complex shapes and high-precision design.
NX: Powerful platform for design, simulation, and manufacturing.
SolidWorks: Popular choice for smaller teams and individual engineers due to its ease of use.
Specific Teams:

Red Bull: Reportedly uses NX heavily.
Mercedes: Some speculate they use CATIA V5.

Software is just one tool in the F1 design process. Teams often develop in-house tools and customize existing software to their specific needs.

Hopefully, this gives you a general idea of the landscape!

No F1 team is using Solidworks. I can't think any teams will be using Catia V5 over V6 either, though I've seen some CAD from the Ferrari road dept using V5 still so maybe the F1 team is still on that.

NX:- RBR, AT, Williams
Cat:- Merc, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, Aston, Sauber, Haas

[Tzk]

No F1 team is using Solidworks.

As a SWX user i can only +1. SWX isn't meant for automotive applications, but better suited for general mechanical engineering. It's quite limited when it comes to (freeform) surfacing. CATIA, NX are both used in the automotive industry though. AFAIK german car makers like BMW, VAG and Merceds use CATIA, while Opel uses (or used) NX in the past.

[browney]

What FEA software do they use?

[Greg Locock]

I don't know about F1 in particular but automotive in general doesn't just stick with one solver for FEA.

[Zynerji]

New plugin incoming..

https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/a ... ium=social