Performance comparison of conventional and composite leaf spring

The automobile industry has shown increased interest in the use of composite leaf spring due to its high strength to weight ratio. The introduction of composite materials has made it possible to reduce the weight of the leaf spring without any reduction in load carrying capacity and stiffness. In this paper, results of research on vibration suppression in steel and composite ( Glass Fibre Reinforced plastic - GFRP) leaf springs are presented. Polymeric composite leaf springs and steel springs are studied. Composite springs were designed in such a way that they could replace steel springs in a van. The amplitude of vibrations and the reaction of props were measured and recorded. These parameters rendered it possible to calculate the coefficient of vibration suppression for steel and composite leaf springs. It is concluded that composite leaf springs in comparison to steel springs about three times better suppress vibrations, they are about five times lighter and generate smaller dynamic burdens to vehicle bodies.