Enhancing the Functioning of the Composite Leaf Spring using Helping Spring

Volume 8 Issue 1 November - January 2018

Research Paper

Enhancing the Functioning of the Composite Leaf Spring using Helping Spring

V. Sai Suresh*, A. Swarna Kumari**

* M.Tech Graduate, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India.

** Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering Kakinada, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Suresh, V. S., and Kumari, A. S. (2018). Enhancing the Functioning of the Composite Leaf Spring using Helping Spring. i-manager’s Journal on Mechanical Engineering, 8(1), 20-25. https://doi.org/10.26634/jme.8.1.13822

Abstract

In every automobile, i.e., four wheelers and heavy trucks, leaf spring is one of the main components as it provides a good suspension and plays a vital role in automobile application. In general, suspension systems are used to carry transverse loads to minimize vibrations and for better steering capability of the vehicle. In order to improve working of leaf spring, helping spring is used, i.e. progressive leaf spring. Modeling of progressive leaf spring is done in CATIA V5. This 3D model is imported to ANSYS and analysis is carried out. The strength and deflection of the progressive leaf spring under static loading conditions are determined. Also, Fatigue analysis and model analysis are carried out using ANSYS Workbench so that natural frequencies of the progressive leaf spring can be found. Generally, leaf springs of heavy vehicles are remade of material, EN47. Here, an attempt has been made to replace the EN47 steel leaf spring assembly with GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) so that functioning can be improved.