Aerodynamic drag reduction of a passenger car through shape optimization of outside rear view mirrors

Abstract

Outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) contribute significantly to vehicle safety but also represent a notable source of aerodynamic drag. This study investigates aerodynamic drag reduction in a passenger car through the shape optimization of ORVMs, while maintaining or enhancing rearward visibility. Three-dimensional models were developed, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation for vehicle speeds between 70 and 90 km/h. In parallel, a digital ORVM concept employing wide-angle cameras was evaluated for its impact on the field of view (FOV). The optimized mirror configuration achieved a 16% reduction in aerodynamic drag at 90 km/h compared to the baseline design. The digital ORVM increased the FOV by 376%, resulting in an 87.37% reduction in blind spot area. Based on lifetime vehicle operation assumptions, the proposed design yields an estimated fuel saving of 310 L and a reduction of 716 kg of CO₂ emissions over 200,000 km. The results demonstrate that ORVM shape optimization, combined with digital mirror systems, can effectively improve both aerodynamic efficiency and driver visibility, thereby enhancing vehicle performance and sustainability.