Finite element analysis of hybrid composite material based leaf spring at various load conditions

Lot of effort is made to reduce the fuel consumption by automobile vehicles and this can be achieved by reducing the mass of the automobile vehicles. Leaf spring widely used in all types of vehicles including electric vehicles is one such component which could be attempted. Three different materials namely conventional steel, glass epoxy composite and hybrid composite (combination of both steel and glass epoxy) are considered for the leaf spring. FEA analysis is performed using ANSYS finite element code. Von-Misses stresses, deformation, principal stresses and strain are the main parameters that are considered in this study for different loading conditions. The mass of hybrid composite material is 34% lesser compared to conventional steel. Maximum principal stresses of hybrid composite material are 60% lesser than steel. The mass of hybrid composite material is 34% lesser compared to conventional steel. Finally, the hybrid composite material can be used as a leaf spring material thereby reducing the overall weight of the automobile vehicles.