MultiLeaf Spring and Hotchkiss Suspension CAE （多叶春天和霍奇悬挂CAE）.pdfVIP

Multi-Leaf Spring and Hotchkiss Suspension CAE Simulation Peiyong Qin, Glenn Dentel, and Mikhail Mesh Abstract: Leaf spring design was mainly based on simplified equations and trial-and-error methods. The simplified equation models were limited to the three-link mechanism assumption and linear beam theory. This paper presents detailed finite element modeling and analysis of a two-stage multi-leaf spring, a leaf spring assembly, and a Hotchkiss suspension using ABAQUS. Non-linearity from large deformation, interleaf contact, and friction was included. Stresses and strains under different loads were analyzed. The spring and suspension characters such as spring rate, windup rate, roll rate, and roll steer were analyzed. Analysis results correlated well to laboratory test results. The simulation method presented can be used for the development of leaf springs and Hotchkiss suspensions. Durability can be predicted before prototyping. Suspension characteristics can be verified after the leaf geometry is designed. In addition, the rates predicted can be used in full vehicle NVH models or multi-body dynamic models. Over all, the method introduced can help to reduce product development time and costs significantly. 1. Introduction A Hotchkiss suspension is a solid axle suspension that is commonly used on trucks for its higher load- carrying capacity (Figure 1). The suspension consists of a solid axle, two leaf springs, two shackles, and rubber bushings. The front eyes of the springs and one end of the shackles are mounted to the truck frame through bushings. The rear eyes of the spring are connected to the other end of the shackle through bushings. The wheels are mounted at the ends of the axle. The jounce bumpers are mounted to frame. Currently, leaf spring design mainly relies on simplified models and trial-and-error methods. The simplified models use a three-link