In 2010, the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project looked to Exa’s aerodynamic simulations to help them create a sled that would change history and put the USA four-man team back on the podium — and it worked. Exa(R) Corporation (Nasdaq:EXA), a global innovator of fluids simulation solutions for product engineering, helped Bo-Dyn overhaul and aerodynamically optimize the entire chassis; the result was a record-breaking bobsled that brought home a 2010 Olympic victory for the USA. Now, four years later, much of the new four-man Bo-Dyn sled that USA’s Steven Holcomb will once again pilot has changed, but one thing remains the same — the aerodynamically optimized chassis of the sled.
Bob Cuneo, President of Chassis Dynamics and Chief Engineer for Bo-Dyn, remarked, “The sled we brought to Vancouver excelled aerodynamically thanks to our partnership with Exa Corporation. As we were optimized aerodynamically for the straightaways we focused our resources on improved handling in the curves with steering and runner changes for this season. We have every confidence that this new sled, the Night Train2, has the ability to medal again.”
Former award-winning racecar driver, Geoff Bodine, spearheaded the commitment to overhaul the engineering of U.S. sleds and started the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project in 1992. His goal: to bring the engineering expertise that is currently only used on highly-sponsored racecars to the often struggling Olympic teams. Bodine remarked, “I worked with Bob Cuneo in motorsports and knew there was a wealth of technology that we should be implementing to allow our athletes to properly compete on the global stage. Thanks to Exa’s team working closely with Bo-Dyn, we know that this sled is fast and hope to have a repeat Olympic performance in Sochi. Vancouver proved that we could engineer a world-class sled. I know this next generation bobsled is a medal contender.”
Steven Holcomb’s Night Train2(R) four-man team brought home gold medals in the first three 2013-2014 FIBT World Cup races held in Calgary, Park City and Lake Placid this season. Holcomb feels confident as additional World Cup races approach and readies the team for the Winter Games in Sochi.
For more information visit www.exa.com.
Filed Under: Rapid prototyping
