Lowest drag side mirrors

[robertwb70]

No, but due to the interrelatedness of aerodynamics my car might not be doing the same things "normal" cars do. I have about 50% grill block, fairly smooth wheel covers, rear wheel skirts and a Kammback extension.

Just not having the mirrors there is likely changing the airflow dramatically all by itself.

I was looking tonight and the tufts (I'll take some pics tomorrow) blow from about 45 degrees to almost straight up with the window closed, roll the window down about 2 inches and they go mostly horizontal. Strange stuff...

[AeroModder]

I've noticed rainwater being pushed up on the side windows, even close to the top, so that would also confirm the upward flow there. Possibly the result of vorticies induced by spillover from the windshield?

I'm curious to see if adding rails would smooth that out. I'll probably tape some on and do some tuft testing some weekend, provided the weather dries up...

[NeilBlanchard]

The "sharpness" of the 'A' pillars is the key thing, I think that causes the lifting vortexes. This makes me want to do some localized tuft testing...I have the fairings on my video mirrors slightly *downward* because I was thinking that was the way the air moves.

This may be why a lot of newer cars have the mirrors are located farther back from thebase of the 'A' pillars? The picture posted earlier in this thread (or maybe it was another thread) of the fully faired mirrors, may be unusual for a reason.

[robertwb70]

Neil I think you're right, I've seen the illustrations showing the vortexes.I think when I roll the window down some it creates a low pressure area in the cabin and kills the vortex.

Here's a link showing the tufts I have on my car now.
Tuft testing - Picture

[donee]

Hi All,

Upper third A pilar turbulators should lay those tufts flat (in windless conditions). They kill the vortex from forming. Especially on cars with traditional wind shield rakes.

[NeilBlanchard]

Right -- I'm using homemade zigzag tape (using Gorilla tape and pinking shears) and I'll have to try some tuft testing now...

[DIMS]

I think the most areo dynamic mirrors are actually from a motorcycle the Suzuki Hyabusa. my 1 cent

[cfg83]

DIMS -



Yeah, they look nice. Almost "side-vertical" installation angle for mounting. I think I've seen these installed on a tuner-car.

And here's an aftermarket one with thinner stalk :



CarloSW2

[jime57]

Carlos, could you put in the link to the aftermarket mirror? I'd like to take a look. Your picture doesn't come through to me.

[3-Wheeler]

Look here for more details on what a good mirror shape could look like:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...pes-11183.html

Figure 12 on this page gives a good idea for a more ideal shape.

Jim.