Analysis and optimization of a composite leaf spring
Source abstract
Abstract
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 of the steel leaf spring, 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. The design constraints were stresses (Tsai–Wu failure criterion) and displacements. The results showed that an optimum spring width decreases hyperbolically and the thickness increases linearly from the spring eyes towards the axle seat. Compared to the steel spring, the optimized composite spring has stresses that are much lower, the natural frequency is higher and the spring weight without eye units is nearly 80% lower. 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Source: openaire · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Mechanical Engineering and Vibrations Research · Soil Mechanics and Vehicle Dynamics · Mechanics and Biomechanics Studies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (20)
Show source-provided references
1. The potential for composites in structural automotive applications10.1016/0266-3538(86)90002-3 ↗
2. Composite structures for automobiles10.1016/0263-8223(86)90001-2 ↗
3. Composite integrated rear suspension10.1016/0263-8223(86)90005-X ↗
4. Daugherty RL. Composite leaf springs in heavy truck applications. In: Composite Materials, Proceedings of Japan–US Conference, Tokyo, 1981, p. 529–38
5. Double tapered FRP beam for automotive suspension leaf spring10.1016/0263-8223(88)90049-9 ↗
6. A preliminary approach to composite beam design using fem analysis10.1016/0263-8223(90)90075-P ↗
7. Manual on design and application of leaf springs, Spring Design Manual, AE-11, Society of Automotive Engineer Hs 788,1990
8. Tsai · 1980
9. ANSYS 5.4, ANSYS Inc., 1997
10. Ryan WE. Method of making a molded fiber reinforced plastic leaf spring, US patent 4,560,525 (24/12/1985)
11. Richard DS, Mutzner JE, Eilerman JF, et al. Method of forming a composite leaf spring with fabric wear pad, US patent 4,894,108 (16/1/1990)
12. Nickel HW. Bushing construction for a fiber reinforced plastic leaf spring, US patent 4,565,356 (21/1/1986)
13. Optimal design of laminated plates and shells10.1016/0263-8223(94)90024-8 ↗
14. Optimal design of laminated composite plates using a global optimization technique10.1016/0263-8223(91)90081-9 ↗
15. Optimization of laminated composite structures using a bilevel strategy10.1016/0263-8223(95)00102-6 ↗
16. Optimum design of composite wing structures by a refined optimality criterion10.1016/0263-8223(91)90060-C ↗
17. Nanderpleats · 1984
18. Mallick DK, editor. Composite engineering handbook. Marcel Dekker; 1997. p. 720–3610.1201/9781482277739 ↗
19. Dreger DR. Design guideline for joining advanced composites, Machine Design, 8 May 1980, pp. 89–93
20. Hart-Smith LJ. Mechanically fastened joints for advanced composites, phenomenological consideration and simple analysis, Fibrous Composites in Structural Design, Premium Press, 1993