Optimization of Parameter of a Mono Parabolic Leaf Spring by using Design of Experiment

Abstract

Since last few decades many researchers worked on the analysis of suspension system. In our research work we consider the mono parabolic leaf spring of mini truck which having gross vehicle weight of 1550 Kg. The thickness of parabolic leaf spring is varying from middle to the both eye end of the spring. Thickness is more at the middle and it continues reduced with the length of spring. The analysis and modeling of parabolic leaf spring (PLS) is done in CATIA V5 by using the part design and analysis workbench. The FEA is performed by creating the discrete model of PLS and applying the same boundary condition as actual working under the static loading condition. The result obtained by the FEA shows that the critical area where the stress concentration is higher is near to the shackle and it may be the lead to the failure.

The DOE is performed to understand the behavior of the stress and deflection by varying the parameter as camber, leaf spring, thickness and width of the PLS. These studies lead us to find out most optimum configuration of parameter under the given boundary condition.