Jilin University Accelerates Student Racing Success Using Fidelity CFD Software

Founded in 1955, the College of Automotive Engineering at Jilin University has a long tradition of developing automotive talent. That commitment extends beyond the classroom through its student racing program, established in 2007, which has become one of the most successful in China. In recent years, Jilin University's student racing teams have earned 16 national championship trophies, including record-setting victories in electric, hybrid, and energy-efficiency competitions.

In 2024, Jilin University partnered with Cadence to establish the first joint computational fluid dynamics (CFD) laboratory at a Chinese university. The collaboration brought advanced simulation technologies into both engineering education and student motorsports programs, enabling students to work with professional-grade tools used throughout the automotive industry.

For the university's racing teams, access to Cadence technology has been transformative. "Cadence not only provides us with professional CFD tools, but also gives us the opportunity to think like real engineers," said team members. Moving beyond theoretical calculations, students can now perform high-fidelity simulations that help them analyze, validate, and optimize designs before building physical prototypes.

The impact was especially evident during preparation for the 2025 Formula SAE Japan competition. Using Cadence Fidelity CFD Software, the team completed more than 50 iterations of rear-wing designs. By analyzing static pressure contours and velocity vector fields, they identified flow separation issues and optimized the wing geometry. The result was a 23% increase in downforce, resulting in multiple awards, including Best Aerodynamic Design, Best Ergonomic Design, and Best CAE Simulation Application, and nine other special honors.

Cadence tools have also supported the team's championship-winning Gspeed Future Vector hybrid racing car. Students used Fidelity simulations to optimize airflow channels, evaluate thermal management strategies, and improve vehicle-level integration. By identifying viable designs earlier in the development process, the team significantly reduced costly trial-and-error cycles.

Beyond performance gains, simulation has improved productivity. According to the team, adopting Cadence Fidelity CFD tools reduced simulation workflow time by more than 60%, enabling faster design iterations and more efficient engineering decisions.

As the partnership grows, Jilin University hopes to expand collaboration into emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, new energy technologies, and advanced materials. Together, Jilin University and Cadence are helping students develop the skills, experience, and engineering mindset needed to drive the next generation of automotive innovation.

Learn more about how Jilin University is building award-winning race cars with Cadence.

"Designed with Cadence" is a series of videos that showcases creative products and technologies that are accelerating industry innovation using Cadence tools and solutions. For more Designed with Cadence videos, check out the Cadence website and YouTube channel.