How Volvo Cars Accelerated CFD Simulations for the EX90 Electric Vehicle Using Ansys and NVIDIA

Revolutionizing CFD Simulations: Volvo Cars and Ansys Collaboration

Volvo Cars has made significant strides in its electric vehicle (EV) development, particularly with the new EX90, thanks to an innovative partnership with Ansys and NVIDIA. By utilizing advanced simulation technology, the automotive leader has achieved a remarkable 2.5-fold acceleration in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, a crucial element in optimizing vehicle efficiency.

The Integration of Ansys and NVIDIA Technology

Ansys, renowned for its high-fidelity fluid simulation software, enables Volvo to perform critical aerodynamic assessments necessary for enhancing the performance of its battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Utilizing just eight NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, Volvo was able to cut down the simulation duration from 24 hours to a mere 6.5 hours—this efficiency leap allows the company to engage in multiple design iterations each day, thus fast-tracking the development process.

Optimizing Electric Vehicle Range

The EX90 is designed for energy efficiency, and reducing aerodynamic drag plays a pivotal role in extending the vehicle's range on a single charge. Ansys Fluent, the fluid simulation software used in this process, provides precise modeling capabilities that are essential for minimizing resistance in EV designs. By shifting workflows onto GPU technology, Ansys and Volvo have significantly improved the speed at which these simulations can be completed, facilitating an array of optimization studies.

Case Study: Achieving Breakthrough Efficiency

Before this collaboration, trials involving the use of traditional CPU cores for simulations were time-consuming and resource-intensive. With the upgraded setup, mesh generation was completed in just one hour, while the solver took only 5.5 hours—allowing design teams to efficiently evaluate numerous design variants. This evolution in simulation has enabled Volvo to drastically reduce the time taken to achieve optimal designs that meet critical emissions and efficiency standards, such as the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

Torbjörn Virdung, the technical leader of CFD at Volvo Cars, shared insights into how this partnership has transformed their approach to vehicle design: “Using Ansys simulation has the potential to help our teams obtain favorable designs and carry out virtual testing in much less time than traditional approaches allow.” He further noted, “In this case, the capability of Ansys Fluent, combined with NVIDIA infrastructure, supercharges our computations, allowing us to explore a greater number of design possibilities and accelerate our design process.”

The Future of Automotive Engineering

This technological advancement does not only benefit Volvo; it sets a new industry standard for automotive engineering. The method, proven effective in automotive applications, can also be applied to other sectors requiring sophisticated fluid simulation, such as aerospace, motorsports, and consumer electronics.

Shane Emswiler, Senior Vice President of Products at Ansys, emphasized, “This breakthrough underscores how GPU-accelerated simulation can drive innovation and get products to market faster.” The combination of high-fidelity modeling and increased solver speed allows customers like Volvo to conduct more simulations and maximize the results, ultimately leading to more efficient and performant products.

Conclusion

The results of the collaboration between Volvo Cars, Ansys, and NVIDIA not only illustrate the power of cutting-edge technology in advancing electric vehicle capabilities but also showcase an inspiring example of industrial innovation. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, embracing such high-performing technological solutions will be key in meeting the ambitious goals of sustainability and performance in the electric vehicle market. As Volvo prepares to showcase its breakthroughs at industry events like NVIDIA GTC in San Jose, the automotive world watches closely to see how these advancements will shape the future of driving.

For further information on how Ansys is shaping the future of automotive engineering and more, visit their booth at NVIDIA GTC or explore online resources.