In automobile racing, winning is inextricably linked in some fashion to speed – and we don’t just mean lightning-fast lap times but speed of technology deployment. Our software products are used with that single, principal aim in mind - delivering a rapid, first-time-right design.

From NASCAR to Formula 1, and from rallying to stock-car racing, one can argue there are few things in life that inspire as much emotion and excitement as do motorsports. Unified in a perpetual state of wide open throttle, all forms of automobile racing employ some combination of velocity, acceleration and G-forces to deliver a potent, high-adrenaline experience unlike any other.

Modern race teams are employing every tool imaginable to lock-in the checkered flag on race day. Due to the highly regulated nature of motorsports intended to foster an even playing field, a winning edge must necessarily derive from incremental improvements. Think ‘evolution’ and not ‘revolution’ here. An amalgamation of minute tweaks, adjustments, and optimizations that culminate in just enough added downforce, reduced weight, or enhanced fuel efficiency could easily mean the difference between victory and defeat.

To go after these small but crucial pockets of opportunity that potentially aggregate into a winning advantage, race teams today are embracing simulation and CAE technology. Quite simply the winning teams are beating the competition by doing a better job of "Simulating Reality" - aiming to ‘get it right first time’. CAE simulation saves time by significantly reducing physical testing and allows the engineering design team to quickly and accurately evaluate design alternatives. To identify problems as early as possible, the best-in-class are more likely to take a systematic approach with simulation, and regularly perform analyses throughout the design process.

"MSC was the natural choice of partner. MSC’s subsequent acquisition of MDI brought the Adams suite of tools into the portfolio, allowing us to also simulate the vehicles mechanical systems, and to generate more accurate set-up data and structural loadings."

-Steve Nevey, Business Development Manager and Technical Consultant

Red Bull Racing

MSC Software is used for many types of motorsport simulations:

Ride and handling

Weight optimization

Noise and vibration

Acoustics

Aerodynamics

Durability and fatigue

Crash and safety

Closed course path optimization

Structural analysis of components

Composite material modeling

Thermal performance

Mechatronics

Vehicle dynamics

Multidiscipline analysis

Track simulations

Ride height and spring/damper influence

Engineers use MSC Software for:

Suspension systems

Elastomeric components

Composites

Adhesive bonds

Rear sway bar arms

Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators

Engines and drivetrains

Tire and ground contact forces

Control systems

Front and rear wings

Roll cage and shells

Composite gearboxes