Abstract

The increasing demands for enhanced performance and efficiency in heavy vehicles have driven advancements in suspension systems. This paper presents the development and analysis of a composite leaf spring designed to replace traditional metallic springs in heavy vehicle suspension systems. Composite materials known for their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance offer potential benefits over conventional steel leaf springs. The study begins with the design of a composite leaf spring focusing on optimizing material properties and geometry to achieve desired performance characteristics. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and experimental testing are employed to evaluate the structural integrity fatigue resistance and overall functionality of the composite leaf spring under various load conditions. Results indicate that the composite leaf spring exhibits superior performance compared to its steel counterparts including reduced weight and enhanced durability. Additionally the c