STAR-CCM+ Helps ORACLE TEAM USA to Win the 34th America's Cup
New York and London (PRWEB UK) 1 October 2013 -- CD-adapco, the largest privately held CFD-focused provider of Computer Aided Engineering software, congratulates ORACLE TEAM USA on winning the 34th America's Cup in what many are calling the greatest sporting comeback of all time. ORACLE TEAM USA overcame an 8-1 deficit by winning 8 races in a row to claim a 9-8 victory in the 34th America's Cup.
CD-adapco is the Official Supplier of CFD software to ORACLE TEAM USA. STAR-CCM+ was used throughout the development process to refine the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance of their AC72 catamarans. Unlike previous contests, a loop-hole in the rules for the 34th edition for the world's oldest international sporting trophy allowed the wing masted catamarans to "foil" (sailing parlance for hydrofoiling) in which they literally fly on downwind sections, with both hulls above the water, supported by only slender rudders and dagger boards, achieving speeds of over 40 knots (46mph), providing both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic challenges for the design team.
The contest hinged on the design modifications made by ORACLE TEAM USA after going 8-1 down in the contest that led to them taking eight consecutive victories to win the first-to-nine contest. ORACLE TEAM USA's Head of CFD, Mario Caponnetto, who together with Francis Hueber and Michele Stroligo performed all of the CFD simulations of the AC72, confirmed that STAR-CCM+ played a critical role in simulating these race winning modifications:
"It was really hard and until the very last day we used STAR-CCM+ to improve the speed of the boat," said Caponnetto. "It worked! Once again, we managed to win the America's Cup! I wanted to thank CD-adapco, on behalf of all the team, for the invaluable help that you gave us during these years. I hope the future will give us other rewards like this one."
Lauren Gautier, CD-adapco, http://www.cd-adapco.com, +1 248-697-0029, [email protected]
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