"As computing power increases rapidly, and the benefits of improved efficiency result in large performance gains on the racetrack, Computational Fluid Dynamics is becoming ever more popular."
I was fortunate enough during the summer following my graduation in 2003 to be offered a job at what was then BAR Formula One Team. I began my life there as a Junior CFD Aerodynamicist. What does that mean? The aerodynamics department is essentially responsible for all of the parts of the car which see air passing over it, ie what the car looks like. As computing power increases rapidly, and the benefits of improved efficiency result in large performance gains on the racetrack, the use of CFD, or Computational Fluid Dynamics, is becoming ever more popular.
In short, CFD uses fundamental physics to simulate the flow of air around the car which runs at the track, showing us on our computers how we expect the car to perform. This allows us to turn around many more new aerodynamic components or wings for the car using CAD and computer simulation software before deciding which ones should be tested in our world-class windtunnel facility, or sent straight to the racetrack for Lewis Hamilton to put it through its paces.
As can often happen in Formula One, the team goes through several guises even though the team members don’t change. The same was true of BAR Formula One Team. The team itself became Honda F1 Team in 2006 before Honda pulled out at the end of 2008. This was a worrying time. Although we knew we had a promising car for the next year, without a team owner, there was no chance of competing. At the last minute they were bought out by our team boss and became Brawn GP F1 Team in 2009. I remained at the team throughout and had worked my way up to become a senior CFD Aerodynamicist by this stage. The 2009 season was the most satisfying year I had been through, as we won the championship, with our driver Jenson Button winning the drivers’ championship. Our success was such that Mercedes made the move to buy out the team.
This gave us all much more stability, with such a global brand, with their history in the sport, in charge. I feel extremely fortunate to have been part of the team since Mercedes took over in 2010. They have provided the support for us to achieve so much more technically than we ever could previously as well as, and in my view most importantly, teaching us how to perform at a high level as a close-knit, driven and supportive team.
"LGS gave me such a great platform to step up into the career I have followed so far."
My role now as a CFD Team Leader sees me lead a group of engineers who are responsible for simulating the correct physics of the airflow around the car so that the new components modelled on our computer simulations perform exactly as we would expect at the racetrack. The role is hugely rewarding, working with some of the most talented engineers in F1 and being a part of such a respectful, motivated, trusting and fast-paced team.
This brings me on to where LGS gave me such a great platform to step up into the career I have followed so far. One thing that is so important in F1, and of which LGS gave me a great awareness, is the fact that you will always be surrounded by individuals who are more talented at certain things than you are. The key learning I took from school, which forms one of the building blocks of our team, is not to be daunted by this. Instead, respect the individuals for their excellence and learn how to best combine your own talents with theirs to form a highly skilled team. This has subsequently meant that, as I write this, we are in the privileged position to be fighting this year to be the first team in history to win the F1 drivers’, and team world championship, for six consecutive years.
Alumni Wisdom
Job Search Tips
There are a lot of CVs out there which are academically strong so help employers see what makes you stand out as a person.
Current Needs of Employers in my field
Technically strong, highly motivated, respectful individuals with a clear sense of team ethics.
Things I wish I’d known in Sixth Form
The job I currently do didn’t exist when I was in the Sixth Form so there is no need to follow a traditional, fixed path. Pursue what interests and inspires you as you never know what opportunities or positions will arise.
Describe LGS in three words
Platform for success