A COMPUTATIONAL APPROACH FOR EVALUATING HELICAL COMPRESSION SPRINGS
Helical compression springs are generally synthesized and evaluated by determining the maximum torsional stress, fatigue life, natural frequency, and/or load loss due to stress relaxation. To this end, researchers have developed finite element analysis (FEA) modeling methods to simulate the design performance of helical compression springs. The intent of this paper was to make a useful contribution to the published works for evaluating round wire helical compression springs. Specifically, commercially available FEA software was used to construct a structural model of a helical compression spring to simulate its full range of compression. The proposed FEA modeling methodology considers coil-to-coil contact and the end coils were modeled as rigid surfaces. With 9 mm of compression, the predicted spring rate correlated with the analytically calculated value to within 5%.
Optimization of Steel Helical Spring by Composite Spring
Springs that can reserve high level of potential energy, have undeniable role in industries. Helical spring is the most common element that has been used in car suspension system. In this research, steel helical spring related to light vehicle suspension system under the effect of a uniform loading has been studied and finite element analysis has been compared with analytical solution. Afterwards, steel spring has been replaced by three different composite helical springs including E-glass/Epoxy, Carbon/Epoxy and Kevlar/Epoxy. Spring weight, maximum stress and deflection have been compared with steel helical spring and factors of safety under the effect of applied loads have been calculated. It has been shown that spring optimization by material spring changing causes reduction of spring weight and maximum stress considerably. In any case, with changing fiber angle relative to spring axial, composite spring properties have been investigated.
Composite integrated rear suspension
Abstract Fiber reinforced plastics are undergoing extensive studies as potential structural materials for automotive applications. This paper describes the design, fabrication, weight analysis and testing of a composite integrated rear suspension in a Ford Escort vehicle. This suspension utilizes a transverse FRP leaf spring to integrate the functions of the production Escort stamped steel lower arms and coil springs. The spring was designed using previously developed composite design procedures. The results show concept feasibility, a vehicle weight saving of 7 lb, good ride, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. A reduction in roll stiffness points out the need for development in the design of the center clamp attachment to the body structure. This study demonstrates the viability and potential of fiber reinforced composites in automotive suspension systems.