Title: Leaf Spring Suspension System: MBD Model Building, Simulation, and Validation
The leaf spring suspension is a critical component of the chassis system, providing benefits such as improved ride quality, stable handling, and load-carrying capability. However, if a leaf spring fails, it can cause the vehicle frame and body to drop onto the wheel assembly, rendering the vehicle immobile. Therefore, it is crucial to identify leaf spring failures early in the product development cycle to save time, effort, and costs associated with market launch and development.
Simpack, an MBD tool for the simulation of leaf spring system is used in this paper. Four types of spring models are available: Simbeam Flexible Spring, Multi Mass Spring, SMM Simbeam and SMM Multi Mass. Simbeam flexible spring approach is used here. Linear and non-linear beam modeling approaches are available, with linear flexible elements using the Euler-Bernoulli or Timoshenko hypothesis.
Substructures and communicators are used to construct the entire leaf spring model and facilitate communication within and outside the system. A load case is selected in the Scenario Tree, and the leaf model is assigned to it. The leaf characteristics are compared with test results, and animation helps understand the kinematic aspect. Parameters can be fine-tuned for improved correlation. This validated leaf spring suspension can be integrated with the vehicle for further studies on ride quality, vehicle dynamics, and load prediction.
Overall, this modeling approach enables comprehensive analysis and optimization of leaf spring performance, ensuring its reliability and functionality within the vehicle's suspension system.