The current consumers demand lightweight, energy-efficient, and environmentally-friendly cars and light trucks without sacrificing on safety, comfort, and affordability.

Therefore, automakers are increasing their investments in developing vehicles that meet these requirements, usually by using hybrid-electric vehicle technologies and electric vehicle technologies. With such technologies, the industry is becoming less reliant on fossil fuels, which are a major polluter in the world.

During this time of revolutionary change, ANSYS simulation software is becoming critical in providing innovative, groundbreaking products to today’s consumers. Simulation technology, through robust virtual testing and prototyping, is pioneering breakthroughs in addressing increasing fuel costs, improving different aspects of vehicle aerodynamics, and making self-driving vehicles a reality.

Furthermore, automotive simulation significantly reduces vehicle development cycle, avoids late-stage identification of trouble spots, and leads to better product designs.

The usage of heavy trucks and buses is accelerating worldwide. The growth is mainly being driven by increasing public transportation needs in rising economies, such as China, Brazil, India, and other developing countries, as well as rediscovery of the benefits of public transport systems in developed countries, such as the U.S.

With the increased growth, trucks and buses are usually the subject for large consumption of fuel, which results in significant amounts of pollutant emissions. Consequently, the growing public concern over these pollutant emissions has led to enactment of stringent regulations. For example, in 2010, the U.S. passed very strict emissions standards for trucks, a norm which has been followed by several other countries.

Therefore, truck and buses manufacturers are under pressure to lower tailpipe emissions and improve fuel economy. To meet these critical needs, new technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), are being developed capable of optimizing engine capabilities and achieving fuel efficiency expectations.

With ANSYS simulation software, engineers are able to guarantee efficiency, quality, and reliability when building cars and buses.

In motorsports, such as Formula One or NASCAR, technology and innovation are what differentiate winners from losers. Winning race teams usually extend the boundaries of technology to deliver a high-speed, high-adrenaline experience on the racing track.

Notably, the winning teams usually establish a clear edge by performing a better job at “simulating reality”—aiming to deliver first-time-right designs on the racing track.

Specifically, using ANSYS aerodynamic simulation solutions, engineers are able to make high-performing vehicles capable of maintaining stability at extreme speeds and gain the extra edge without contravening the stipulated industry regulations.

Furthermore, ANYS simulation is also crucial in building other aspects of race cars, such as suspension, body makeup, tires, and electronics, as well as assisting engineers efficiently and cost-effectively evaluate design alternatives.

The increasing demanding global trends and market pressures are compelling engineers to build heavy machinery capable of meeting performance goals with enhanced energy efficiency, safety, dependability, and low maintenance.

To realize targets, manufacturers are aiming at enhancing the performance of tractors, planters, harvesters, and other heavy machineries. For example, most modern construction machineries are equipped with self-navigating applications, computer monitoring systems, and GPSs for increased power and efficiency. Furthermore, fuel-efficient technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SRC), have been employed to reduce carbon emissions.

With ANSYS simulation tools, engineers are able to forecast with confidence that the designed machineries will thrive under real world conditions, and meet the targeted outputs. ANSYS simulation supports manufacturers develop next-generation construction machineries for maximized efficiency.

The advancements in technology has led to development of modern, high-speed railway transport throughout the world, especially in developing countries where demand for fast, cheap travel is increasing.

With these advances, the use of ANSYS simulation solutions has become even more indispensable. The virtual simulation software is increasingly used to understand the impact of design decisions on locomotives, trucks, cars, and other ground transportation vehicles.

For instance, ANSYS solutions are efficient at checking the robustness of internal combustion engines, electric machines, turbochargers, and several other parts and systems.

Applying simulation during product development allows railway engineers to cost-effectively explore new concepts, develop better designs, and be at par with the technological advancements around them.

The global demand for two-wheelers, especially motorcycles, is forecasted to rise by about 4% every year and hit 113 million units by 2020, with a market value of above $120 billion. The global sales in motorcycles will be driven by rising living standards in developing countries, where they are a widely used mode of transport.

The increasing growth of the sector necessitates adoption of better technologies for manufacturing sturdy designs, addressing environmental concerns, and optimizing performance—and engineering simulation is playing a vital role.

Interestingly, technological improvements made in other automotive sectors are quickly finding their way in two-wheelers. For example, the technology in powering battery-electric two-wheelers is largely borrowed from the car industry.

ANSYS simulation promises to solve the most complicated two-wheeler design challenges—from efficient engine design to robust aerodynamics to quality emission control techniques—the software is capable of ensuring the sector meets its needs, all without compromising users’ comfort, safety, and affordability.