with a sloping back - and this is a direct result of how aerodynamics can be used to improve efficiency - even on trucks!
Finally, there were also some speakers from companies such as MTS (who work with F1 teams on their wind tunnel research and other testing solutions) and from software companies such as Ansys. This really helped to 'close the loop' for me to have the representatives of the manufacturers explaining why it was important to improve aerodynamics for both the benefit of the company as well as the customer.
Then of course we had the representatives explaining how this can be achieved with their CFD software. Given I was currently studying my CFD module, it was invaluable to see what the most modern CFD packages can now offer.
Thought-provoking discussions...
Given the wide range of speakers, the technical discussions were fascinating. Not just at the Q&A sessions at the end of each speaker's presentation, but also during the interactive sessions. For example, at the end of each day, there were 2 interactive discussions that you could sign up for. These included things like 'CFD vs Wind Tunnels' and the importance of the new controversial automotive legislation to be introduced that will affect HDV configurations.
Because there were representatives from so many different automotive/motorsport related aero backgrounds attending the course, the discussions gave a real insight into the issues each company/industry faces and their opinions on some highly important matters. Needless to say I learnt a lot!
Confidential Insights...
Because this was a conference presented by engineers, to engineers, the level of technical information was incredible. I have been to many conferences in the past and listened to hundreds of presentations on motorsport and race engineering but this was by far the most intriguing. More importantly, all of the information was brand new.
Obviously the Head of aerodynamics of Audi is not going to reveal the inner workings of their CFD models to a room full of other Aerodynamic specialists from their rival companies, however, they still