Evaluation of modal parameters and static characteristics for composite mono leaf spring

The objective of this paper was to investigate and evaluate modal parameters and static characteristics for designed carbon/epoxy composite CFRP leaf spring made from carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy by comparing its finite element analysis FEA modal, harmonic and static results to that of conventional steel one under the same maximum full bump load. In ANSYS software, finite element modal, harmonic and static analysis for 3D models of conventional steel and designed composite mono leaf springs is carried out. FEA displacements for the steel and designed composite CFRP mono leaf springs at the maximum full bump load were 92.9 mm and 93.1 mm respectively. Compared to the steel mono leaf spring, the composite mono leaf spring has advantages; lower stresses, higher natural frequencies and higher safety in stresses of front and rear eyes. All these advantages let the composite leaf spring can be carried maximum full bump load with enough higher performance over steel one to avoid resonance and satisfy maximum stress failure criterion.

Fabrication and Testing of Glass/Banana Hybridized Epoxy Mono Composite Leaf Spring under Static Loading

This study makes use of E glass fiber and Banana fiber woven mats for the development of the hybrid composite mono leaf spring. Six composite laminates for selecting the optimum stack sequence were fabricated, four hybrids and two standalone using epoxy as matrix. From the flexural tests, two hybrid combinations were selected for fabricating the mono leaf spring. Among the hybrid composites, the one with three layers of glass fabric on the outside displayed maximum bending strength of 99.6 MPa. Composite mono leaf spring with three layers of glass fabric on the outside exhibited lower deflection when compared to conventional leaf spring. Results indicate that mono composite leaf spring has the potential to be used as an alternative to conventional leaf spring with continual research.