Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber Composite Using FEM for Leaf Spring Applications

Abstract

Nowadays, many industries are shown interest in the hybrid composites, natural fibers, and reinforced materials due to reduction of the weight. The reason is that it will not affect environmental conditions. This experimental investigation identified the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The hybrid composite materials are extensively used by E-glass/epoxy, carbon, and titanium alloy. Composites have good strength and less weight. The highest challenge of the automobile industry is to replace the steel leaf spring instead of the composite leaf spring. The composite structures have been providing better corrosion resistance. The conventional leaf spring experimental results were compared to analytical results of composite leaf spring. The design, simulation, and maximum stresses were done with the help of Ansys Workbench 15. Ansys Workbench materials are selected by titanium alloy, epoxy glass, aluminum alloy, and epoxy carbon. The design parameters were selected and analyzed to compare stress, deformation, elastic strain, and weight of the composite leaf spring as compared to conventional steel leaf spring. Deflection results were identified in the mechanical properties of the leaf spring. It should absorb shock loads and vertical vibrations due to road abnormalities. The composite experimental samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy.

Keywords

• hybrid composites
• epoxy carbon
• e-glass
• titanium alloy
• mechanical properties
• finite element analysis