The continuous improvement of validation methodologies for mobility industry
components is essential to ensure vehicle quality, safety, and performance. In
the context of mechanical suspensions, leaf springs play a crucial role in
vehicle dynamics, comfort, and durability. Material validation is based on steel
production data, complemented by laboratory analyses such as tensile testing,
hardness measurements, metallography, and residual stress analysis, ensuring
that mechanical properties meet fatigue resistance requirements and expected
durability. For performance evaluation, fatigue tests are conducted under
vertical loads, with the possibility of including "windup" simulations when
necessary. To enhance correlation accuracy, original suspension components are
used during testing, allowing for a more precise validation of the entire
system. Additionally, dynamic stiffness measurements provide valuable input for
vehicle dynamics and suspension geometry analysis software, aiding in predictive
modeling and optimization of suspension behavior. The implementation of this
structured and comprehensive validation methodology, already adopted by
companies in the mobility industry, ensures the development of reliable and
high-performance products. This approach is particularly beneficial for
commercial suspensions used in road transport of cargo and passengers,
addressing industry challenges related to safety, durability, and efficiency. By
improving validation techniques, the mobility industry strengthens its ability
to innovate, comply with regulatory standards, and meet the growing demand for
more robust and efficient vehicle suspension systems.