Design, testing, and simulation of fibre composite leaf springs for heavy axle loads

Hou, J. P., Cherruault, J. Y., Jeronimidis, G. and Mayer, R. (2005) Design, testing, and simulation of fibre composite leaf springs for heavy axle loads. Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design, 40 (6). pp. 497-504. ISSN 0309-3247 doi: 10.1243/030932405X30704

Abstract/Summary

This paper summarizes the design, manufacturing, testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) of glass-fibre-reinforced polyester leaf springs for rail freight vehicles. FEA predictions of load-deflection curves under static loading are presented, together with comparisons with test results. Bending stress distribution at typical load conditions is plotted for the springs. The springs have been mounted on a real wagon and drop tests at tare and full load have been carried out on a purpose-built shaker rig. The transient response of the springs from tests and FEA is presented and discussed.