《Analysis and optimization of a composite leaf spring》.pdf

Composite Structures 60 (2003) 317–325 /locate/compstruct Analysis and optimization of a composite leaf spring Mahmood M. Shokrieh *, Davood Rezaei Composites Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran 16844, Iran 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 conside- ration 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 dis- placements. 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. Keywords: Leaf spring; Composite; Shape optimization; Finite element; Composite joints; Natural frequency; Suspension system; Composite beam 1. Introduction in the middle to resist bending and thin at the ends