Transmissibility and Experimental Analyses of Laminated Fibrous Micro-Composite E-Springs for Vehicle Suspension Systems

E-spring is an optimized trend of springs for vehicle suspension systems. Experimental and transmissibility analyses of laminated fibrous composite E-springs are conducted. The mechanical and frequency-response-based properties of these springs are investigated experimentally at both of the structural and constitutional levels. Thermoplastic-based and thermoset-based fibrous composite structures of the E-springs are modified at micro-scale with various additives and consequently they are compared. The experimental results reveal that additives of micrometer-sized particles of E-glass fibers as well as mineral clay to an ISO-phthalic polyester resin of the composite E-spring can demonstrate superior characteristics. The transmissibility analysis of laminated fibrous composite E-springs reveals superior frequency ratio. Accordingly, micro-composite E-springs can displace both of the hydraulic dampers and steel springs in both of the passive and semi-active suspension systems in a reliable, simple, and cost- effective way.