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During the concept design phase, ARC has worked on creating cost efficient designs in areas of the car that become locked down quickly during production design. Working with the styling studio using CFD morphing techniques to refine the body shape and also design a sculpted underfloor can be one of the biggest drag reductions gains found during a car design lifespan. Working with the powertrain division on the engine bay shape to meet thermal needs and airflow exits integrated into the rest of the car. All aero gains can be verified using a quick build scale model.
For the bulk of the design phase of a vehicle, ARC has a number of tools to help with vehicle aerodynamics. Projects typically involve a highly detailed CFD and scale wind tunnel model, working with the manufacturer closely to test new part concepts and to ensure all thermal needs are being met.
Post production work often revolves around OEM and aftermarket performance upgrade packages and 'tech support' of problem areas. For performance upgrades ARC can make the most of the often limited changes allowed to tweak the last aerodynamic efficiencies out of the vehicle and meet the goals of the project. Wheel spokes are quickly becoming a hot spot to help reduce drag, using CFD sliding mesh technology, ARC has been at the front of the design curve. For when tech support is needed, thermal and handling issues can be dealt with using CFD and vehicle dynamic simulations.
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