Section Article

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A COMPOSITE LEAF SPRING FOR A HEAVY VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Author(s): Pinaki Bose

Abstract
The suspension system of heavy vehicles plays a crucial role in ensuring ride comfort stability and safety during operation. Traditional steel leaf springs widely used in heavy vehicle suspensions present limitations including high weight corrosion susceptibility and limited fatigue life. Post-2021 research indicates that composite materials particularly fiber-reinforced polymers offer promising alternatives due to their high strength-to-weight ratio corrosion resistance and improved fatigue performance. This study investigates the design optimization and evaluation of a composite leaf spring for heavy vehicle suspension systems examining material selection structural design load-bearing capacity and dynamic performance. By integrating finite element analysis (FEA) experimental testing and post-2021 industrial insights the research evaluates the mechanical behavior stress distribution and fatigue characteristics of composite leaf springs under realistic operating conditions. Furthermore the study explores the environmental and economic implications of adopting composite materials in heavy vehicle suspensions highlighting potential reductions in vehicle weight fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Findings suggest that composite leaf springs enhance overall vehicle performance durability and efficiency while contributing to sustainable transportation solutions.