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DESIGNING
Dallara designs in 3D using the most advanced computer-aided design softward to build a fully integrated 360-degree model to understand how the prototype will look and perform prior to manufacturing any component. It is a flexible approach that allows for the rapid incorporation of design changes without costly overruns
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Dallara’s two wind tunnels occupy a surface area larger than Milan’s famous San Siro stadium. Technicians use them to test cars using scale models that are anywhere from 40 to 60% of original size. The structures were built by Dallara, a leader in designing and producing cars for Formula 3, the American IndyCar Racing League, the GP2 series, and single brand championships. Founded in 1972 by engineer Giampaolo Dallara after key experiences with Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, the company’s yearly sales now top 56 million Euros. Its headquarters is at Varano Melegari (province of Parma), among Emilia-Romagna’s extensive network of companies specializing in mechanical industries. The creation of new vehicles requires the creation and development of four virtual models on a computer. The first is the aerodynamics test: it unites information from the wind tunnel and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), specialized software for display and analysis of extremely detailed road test data. The next pass involves a simulation on the world’s circuit tracks. Analysis of the automobile data allows optimizing design toward achieving the best mean performances during races. After structural calculations and crash tests using the third virtual model, the fourth phase uses Pro/Engineer software to create the final design.
THE ITALIAN EDGE
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