Abstract

•  This design is characterized by fewer leaves whose thickness varies from centre to ends following a parabolic curve .

•  In this design, inter-leaf friction is reduced by spacers, and therefore there is only contact between the springs at the ends and at the centre where the axle is connected.

•  Not as "stiff" as conventional "multi-leaf springs".

•When a leaf spring is compressed, the length of the leaves changes and the leaves slide on each other.

•  This sliding action could be a source of noise and can also produce friction.

•  Weight of single steel leaf spring is around 9.2kg.

NEED FOR CURRENT STUDY:

•  The automobile industry has shown increased interest in the replacement of steel leaf spring with fibre glass reinforced polymers.

•  To match Reduce the weight of the steel leaf spring by introducing composite material.

•  With increase in the fatigue life of the spring.

•  Increase the Stiffness of the leaf spring.

A four-leaf steel spring used in the rear suspension system of light vehicles is analyzed using ANSYS V5.4 software.

•  The finite element results showing stresses and deflections verified the existing analytical and experimental solutions.

•  Using the results, a composite one made from fiberglass with epoxy resin is designed and optimized using ANSYS.

•  Main consideration is given to the optimization of the spring geometry. The objective was to obtain a spring with minimum weight that is capable of carrying given static external forces without failure.

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