Experimental and Numerical Study for Estimation and Reduction of The Blind Spot in A Passenger Car

Abstract

The purpose of developing an automobile was to reduce human effort, travel faster, and cover longer distances. Cars were meant for transporting a small number of people from one point to another. In India, the four-wheeler segment has picked up over the years due to economic liberalization. The vehicles have been undergoing constant improvements. This may be either in the design or the final product. Also, the importance of aerodynamics is a crucial factor considered while designing a vehicle. This study focuses on improving the aerodynamics of the side-view mirror and reducing the blind spot region. The side mirror of Toyota Etios Liva was used in this study. Blind spots were first determined, and the mirror drag is analyzed experimentally in a wind tunnel and numerically using commercial software. The results show that the drag value of the new mirror was 0.449 compared to 0.634 of the original mirror. This work helps to reduce the blind spot region of the car considered for the study.