Divya Ramanathan
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
The growing demand for lightweight vehicles has intensified research into advanced materials and design methods for suspension components. Composite springs offer an attractive alternative to conventional steel springs due to their superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and fatigue performance. This manuscript investigates the feasibility of using composite springs in vehicle suspension systems to achieve weight reduction while maintaining or improving ride quality and durability. A comprehensive literature review summarizes the development and application of composite materials in automotive suspension. Methodology includes material selection, design parameters, and finite element analysis (FEA)-based simulations to evaluate performance metrics. Statistical analysis compares composite and steel springs under dynamic loading. Simulation results demonstrate significant weight savings with comparable stiffness and fatigue life. The study concludes that composite springs can be a viable solution for lightweight vehicle suspensions, with potential benefits in fuel efficiency and ride comfort.
Keywords
Composite springs, lightweight vehicle suspension, finite element analysis, fatigue life, material selection, weight reduction
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