Leaf spring type simulation with finite element method approach

Abstract

Abstract The leaf spring is one of the main components of the suspension system which functions as a shock absorber due to uneven road surfaces and a vibration damper from the wheels. Continuous shocks and vibrations can cause the leaf spring to receive high cyclic loads which can cause fatigue failure. The purpose of this article is to determine the differences in equivalent stress, fatigue life and safety of factor of different leaf spring types. The types of leaf springs used include the trailing leaf spring, the semi elliptical leaf spring and the parabolic leaf spring. Various types of leaf spring will be designed using solidworks software, while the simulation uses ANSYS 19.2 software. ANSYS engineering data uses SUP 9 material and the load used is 6350 N. After simulation analysis it is concluded that high fatigue life is generated by the parabolic leaf spring. with a cycle of 106, fatigue sensivity 1.996 105 cycles and a minimum safety factor of 1.1336. The safety factor value on the parabolic leaf spring shows that the component will not fail until the life design is achieved.