Numerical investigation of the air resistance effect on the exterior surface of side mirrors of automobiles

Due to the decrease in energy resources day by day, studies in the automotive sector have focused on alternative fuels and fuel consumption. In this context, the aerodynamic properties of the side mirror form have been observed and the possible energy saving situation for different forms has been investigated. In this study, Fiat punto brand automobile's side mirror was scanned in 3D scanner and the model is organized by support programs with combining point clouds. Geometry took its final shape in SolidWorks and then transferred to Ansys fluent for numerical analysis. Air resistance coefficient was calculated for the side mirror at 80, 100 and 120 km/h constant speed values with the CFD method. The same procedures were repeated for three different side mirror forms drawn for comparison. The projection areas of all mirror forms are the same, as the results were desired to be seen only with the form change. Results were evaluated for 100 km/h speed. As a result of the analysis, the most inefficient side mirror model in terms of aerodynamics was the rectangular model, and the most efficient model was the model drawing in trapezoid form. It has been observed that the difference in air resistance coefficient between automobile side mirror and trapezoid form is slightly different.