Abstract
In recent years, aerodynamics has become crucial in the development of racing motorcycles. Bambara, the latest electric prototype developed by Polimi Motorcycle Factory, is no exception: over 300,000 core-hours of CFD simulations were conducted to design its aerodynamic surfaces. However, such a high computational volume must be supported by rigorous validation to ensure real-world reliability.
This study examines the correlation between numerical simulations and wind tunnel data, focusing on force coefficients and pressure distributions. The analysis primarily evaluates high-fidelity simulations performed with PowerFLOW, developing a fully extended workflow.
These numerical results are then correlated with the experimentally obtained pressure distributions.
In addition, a coupled aero-thermal study was conducted to validate the battery's heat generation and its thermal model. Using the flow field resolved by PowerFLOW and a real-world racing current profile as inputs, the system was simulated in PowerTHERM to assess the thermal management of the electric prototype.
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Speakers
Matteo Calza began his engineering journey with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano. At the end of his third year, he joined the POLIMI Motorcycle Factory racing team as a CFD Methodology Engineer. Driven by his passion for the field, he rapidly advanced to Aerodynamics Technical Director for the 26-27 season.
In this role, Matteo oversees the complete aerodynamic development—from initial CAD and CFD simulations to final manufacturing—of both a combustion and a fully electric racing motorcycle.
His leadership also extends beyond pure aerodynamics: Matteo coordinates the experimental aerodynamics division and oversees crucial cross-functional teams. These include the thermal management group, responsible for cooling the electric prototype's battery pack, inverter, and motor, and the powertrain department, which optimizes the intake and exhaust systems for the combustion bike. Deeply passionate about motorsport and high-performance engineering, Matteo is currently completing his second year of a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
@MC
Aerodynamics Technical Director — Polimi Motorcycle Factory , PMF
Luca Spazzolino began his engineering journey with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering at Politecnico di Milano. At the end of his fourth year, Luca joined the Polimi Motorcycle Factory racing team as a CFD Methodology Engineer. Driven by his passion for the field, he rapidly advanced to Head of CFD Simulations for the 26-27 season.
In this role, Luca oversees the development of aerodynamic simulations, from initial CAD cleanup to the complete setup of the CFD simulation, through to final manufacturing. This is done on both a combustion and a fully electric racing motorcycle.
His leadership also extends beyond pure aerodynamics: Luca coordinates the CFD department and oversees communications among the other departments of the aerodynamics teams. These include the thermal management simulations, responsible for cooling the electric prototype's battery pack, inverter, and motor, as well as the powertrain department, which optimizes .
Deeply passionate about motorsport and high-performance engineering, Luca is currently completing his second year of a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering.
@LS
Head of CFD Simulations — Polimi Motorcycle Factory , PMF
