Dynamic Analysis of Outside Rear View Mirror 2015-26-0220

An automobile rear view mirror is attached at the side of the vehicle which is used to provide clear vision outside the vehicle. In the running condition of vehicle, various vibrations occur and are transferred to the mirror which may disturb driver's rear view. Since the vibration of mirror is related to safety consideration, it becomes essential to minimize it. Vibration analysis is very much important for the successful design and development of new parts in automobile. In present work, Vibration analysis of existing design of outside rear view mirror is investigated through numerical model using Finite Element Method (FEM). Furthermore, these results are verified through experimental work. From the modal analysis, it was found that the natural frequency of outside rear view mirror is less than the excitation frequency (Engine & Road excitation). However, to avoid resonance and for a safe design the natural frequency must be greater than these excitation frequencies. Therefore, the existing outside rear view model is modified by adding ribs at its base in order to increase the stiffness. It has been found that, with this design modification, the natural frequency of outside rear view mirror is increased, and is well ahead of the excitation frequency. Moreover, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis is performed to calculate the amount of drag generated on outside rear view mirror. Model analysis and CFD analysis is performed using commercial software ANSYS and Hyper mesh, respectively.