Aerodynamic mirror exterior shell

Details Aerodynamic mirror exterior shell Aerodynamic mirror exterior shell

1997-08-22

2000-01-04

Nguyen, Thong

Optical: systems and elements

Protection from moisture or foreign particle

Fluid directed across optical element

359507, G02B 718

Patent

active

060102225

ABSTRACT:
An aerodynamic exterior rear view mirror for motor vehicles that has low drag as a result of prevention of laminar boundary layer separation on the mirror head and subsequent turbulent wake size reduction. The vehicle mirror comprises an aerodynamic exterior shell having a continuously smooth surface with inboard and outboard trailing edges. The surfaces of the shell preceding the trailing edges can be either parallel or closing relative to the free stream airflow. A boundary layer control device that consists of a trip strip is formed on the exterior surface of the mirror head just upstream of the transition or separation point where the laminar boundary layer flow would transition to turbulent boundary layer flow with delayed separation or to complete separation absent the boundary layer trip strip. The trip strip, when correctly sized and utilized, will assist the laminar boundary layer to transition to turbulent boundary layer flow which reenergizes the boundary layer. The turbulent boundary layer is more stable and has more energy which will enable it to adhere to the surface and allow the airflow to continue to and separate at the mirror head trailing edges. As a result separation is greatly reduced or eliminated which reduces the drag that would have been present, absent the boundary layer control device.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4449796 (1984-05-01), Janssen et al.
patent: 4718755 (1988-01-01), Olson et al.
patent: 4898458 (1990-02-01), McDonald
patent: 5069538 (1991-12-01), Shust et al.
patent: 5179470 (1993-01-01), Olson

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