Idea for mirrors/vortex generators
 

I've been seeing a lot on here about vortex generators to try and help attachment at steep angles. My understanding is that they basically direct a vortex to help flow adhere to a body or wing. I saw someone use this on a pickup truck/ tonneau cover. My question is, could you use the same principle to reduce drag on the side mirrors? Now obviously you won't see as much of an effect, if any compared to a mirror delete, but it might be worth something.

Please let me know your thoughts!

To my knowledge the only reason the flow is adhering is because you're pouring energy into that air to make it rotate into a vortex. Yes, it's pressing against the surface, but no, it's not reducing drag. In general you don't want to induce vortexes. You want to curve the surface gently enough to preserve laminar flow.

I think another issue to contend with is the already complex flow of air being diverted around the wing mirror.

The fact remains one of the simplest ways of reducing drag is to reduce frontal area, and that can be done fairly effectively with wing mirrors.

yugomodder -

Vortex generators are OEM on some vehicle side view mirrors today. Honda Ridgeline and BMW comes to mind. I think the goal in that case is to reduce wind noise. However, it is claimed that reducing wind noise is a sign of improved aero-efficiency.

CarloSW2