Cloud-based simulation of structural crash tests

The result of this Fortissimo experiment is a demonstration of the use of Cloud-based-HPC services to investigate the behaviour of automotive components in a structural crash-test simulation using a commercial software package. The software used will be the Virtual Performance Solution Software Suite from ESI running on the Extreme Factory system from Bull. The design of vehicles involves trade-offs between conflicting requirements such as weight reduction, performance requirements and manufacturing constraints. To answer this challenge, Virtual Prototyping was adopted with a holistic view in which several full vehicle simulation models all based on one unique central Body In White subsystem were used. This is called the Single Core Model approach. This disruptive approach enables a collaborative decision making process to be supported during the development phase. This innovative development methodology calls for extensive computer resources. Cloud-based HPC seems to be the solution to this and is a major enabler. It offers the necessary flexibility to access HPC resources when they are needed at an affordable cost. This approach should reduce the development period thus shortening time to market and to improve quality whilst retaining competitive pricing and so result in increased competitiveness.