Design and Modal Analysis of Composite Leaf Spring Suspension System for light weight vehicles

The aim of this present work is to estimate the natural frequency or self-excitation frequency induced in the Composite leaf spring of transport vehicle. This project is on the application of computer aided analysis using finite element method. The component chosen for analysis is a leaf spring which is an automotive component used to absorb vibrations induced during the motion of vehicle. It also acts as a structure to support vertical loading due to the weight of the vehicle and payload. Under operating conditions, the behavior of the leaf spring complicated due to its clamping effects and interleaf contact, hence its analysis is essential to predict the displacement, mode frequency and stresses. The leaf spring, which we are analyzing, is a custom designed leaf spring with different eyes like as, Berlin and upturned eyes with different materials at different sections. This spring is intended to bear heavy jerks and vibrations reduced during real operating conditions in military operations. In analysis part the finite element of leaf spring is modeled using solid works and analysis is done using ansysworkbench. Appropriate boundary conditions, material properties and loads are applied selected as per intended performance. The mode frequencies obtained are analyzed.