Design and Analysis of Composite Structures for Automotive Applications

8Design and Optimization of Composite Springs

8.1 Design and Optimization of Anisotropic Helical Springs

8.1.1 Forces and Moments in Helical Composite Springs

For conservation of natural resource and economy of energy, automobile manufacturers in recent years have intensively reduced the mass of cars. The potential weight savings, the possibility of reducing noise, vibrations and ride harshness due to their high damping factors, the absence of corrosion problems and lower tooling costs are the declared aims for development of structural elements made of fiber‐reinforced polymers. These aims are the focus of actual development of helical composite springs.

Wong et al. (2004) investigated the feasibility of utilizing the nickel–titanium alloy wires in altering the spring rates of a composite circular spring. The study by Kumbhar et al. (2016) presents experimental and computational analysis of a helical spring for automotive applications. The manufacturing of a helical spring made of composite material is explained.

The rectangular wire helical spring (Kotaro et al. 2001) is contrived, which joins the first coil part and the second coil part with a twisting part. If the spring is used for suspension of rally cars, good control stability can be maintained while absorbing impact from the load.

Chiu et al. (2007) studied four different types of helical composite springs. The springs were made of structures including unidirectional laminates, rubber core unidirectional laminates, ...