Application Of CAD And CAE To The Development And Optimization Of Automobile Outer Rear View Mirror Based On The Vibration Study

Study of vibrations and vibration analysis has always been a need for successful design and development of new parts and components belonging to auto industry, aerospace industry, manufacturing industry and in the development machine tools.

Finite element model for the automobile rear view mirror was created to predict mirror vibration response based on modal analysis study. The materials used in this FEA model were initially provided by the mirror manufacturer and also some modification was done based on the study. Hypermesh Optistruct solver was used to build the complete FEA ORVM model. Vibration modes were predicted for the mirror assembly with a special focus on the mirror mounting bracket as it’s the only part through which the vibrations transfers to mirror assembly in actual vehicle. The natural frequency of the first mirror FEA model was correlated with the first test results and then further iterations were done using this FEA model to predict the changes required in material and geometry to achieve the target frequency value.

The current paper, as a part of curricular activity of Masters program, focuses on the basics of vibration, importance of vibration study in a automobile mirror and use of CAD & CAE softwares in the development and optimization of a mirror assembly based on its mechanical behavior.