Audi doubles sheet metal simulation speed with new supercomputer

German car giant Audi has invested in a new supercomputer which will more than double the performance of its sheet metal simulation software. The new eight-processor server, an eServer p690 ‘Regatta’ from IBM, will be used by Audi’s tool construction division based in Ingolstadt, Germany, to simulate metal behaviour in the production of car body sections. Recent benchmark tests run by Audi on the new system (running Autoform simulation software) show that it’s more than two times faster than the previous system. Dirk Albuszies, Audi’s IBM eServer manager, said: “The benchmark tests, executed by the IBM high performance team, demonstrated the enormous efficiencies the IBM system offers to our engineers… It’s enabling us to continuously strengthen our prominent position in sheet metal working.” And Dr Bernd Griesbach, responsible for technology and sheet metal forming simulation within the tool construction planning office at Audi, commented: “Audi’s tool construction department is specialised on very complex construction parts with extremely high quality level standards. Our know-how is also being used by other subsidiaries in the Volkswagen group like Seat and Skoda.”