Suspension Spring of an Off-Road Vehicle - Research Paper Example

Suspension spring Name Date Course Summary The suspension spring is mainly used for absorbing the impacts made when the car is moving. I also ensures that the height of the body is increased and hence reducing the probability opf touching the ground. According to literature review, various factors need to be considered during the design. This includes the type of material, strength, geometry of the bends as well as the ability to resist different forces. It is evident that different calculations are required in order to determine the performance of the spring. The selection criteria involve the strength of the material, weight and geometric aspects. Hardened steel is the most appropriate material that meets the requirement of the organization in terms of reduction in costs and mass production. Carbon steel can however be used for the purposes of developing the spring that is required by the high end customers. This can be attributed to the cost as well as the amount and nature of material required. Contents Summary 2 Contents 3 Introduction 3 Working principle 4 Components 5 Scope of work 5 Aims 5 Literature study 6 Objective 7 Analysis 8 Results 9 Discussion 10 Conclusion 11 Introduction Suspension spring The suspension spring is manly used for the purposes of supporting the weight of the vehicle and the keeping the wheels planted on the ground. Correct ground clearance as well as the smoothness of the ride can be determined by the suspension spring. The suspension spring together with other components play an important role in determining the height f the body (Heibing, 2011). The suspension spring plays an important role in reducing the body impact when the vehicle is moving. The suspension spring is also used in tuning the handling balance of a car. Fig 1: Suspension spring Working principle The suspension spring is comprised of twisted coil like metal that is used to ensure that smooth ride is facilitated. When the vehicle is moving, the spring usually compresses and in the process absorbs impact. The suspension spring together with the other components also lifts the vehicle which ensures that the height is increased. This ensures that the body does not touch h ground. The impact on of the ground in a rough terrain is absorbed by the suspension spring through compression and hence resulting to a smooth ride. The material used determines its stiffness as the stiffness is directly proportional to the material used (Harshal, Rushikesh & Baskar, 2014). The stiffness also plays an important role in reducing the roll couple leading to improved body control. The spring has to resist some forces in order to avoid breakage due to the impact. The weight of the vehicle is important in influencing the performance of the suspension spring. The material used to manufacture the suspension spring is also an important factor that has to be considered. Components The suspension spring has a few components which enables it carry out its functions. The main components of the suspension spring include shocks and struts (Harshal, Rushikesh & Baskar, 2014). Although the components may appear to be separate, they work together. Scope of work To carry out a design for a suspension spring using a well designed material that will reduce the weight in all the components and improve on the performance. This will also involve how the materials will differ for high end small volume product and inexpensive mass products with little emphasis on lifespan. Aims To determine suitable material for the construction suspension spring. Determining the appropriate testing methods to ensure safety. Literature study The work carried out by Wittek, Richter & Lazars, (2010), outlines the calculations that are useful in the design of suspension springs. The main aim of the work is to determine the strength properties, durability, reliability and weight of the suspension spring. These physical characteristics are important in determining the materials that can be used in the constriction of the suspension springs. It was found that the calculations are useful during the design process and the manufacturers should not alter the calculations. However, the main gap in the research is that it lacks adequate examples with regards to the materials that can be used to construct the suspension springs. The work carried out by Kanna, Tare & Kalje, (2014), was aimed at determining the stability of the suspension springs. The works also seeks to establish the effects of stability on the ability to resist forces such as roll stiffness. It was established that stability of the suspension spring plays an important role in improving on the confidence of the drivers. It was also established that the hardened steels contain large amount of shear strength as compared to the carbon steel. The use of the hardened steel can play an important role in saving a large amount of materials. The gap is the lack of adequate materials to support some of the findings. The work carried out by Tong, et al, (2015), is aimed at establishing the anti-rolling system that is suitable for preventing the vehicles from rolling. It has been highlighted that roll over by the vehicles is one of the most common accidents and a major cause of death. It was found that the roll over can be prevented with the presence of a suitable bar with an appropriate strength. The strength of the material among other factor is important in terms of enhancing the stability of the vehicle. The gap in the research is the lack of data to support most of the findings regarding the strength of the bar. The study by Harshal, Rushikesh & Baskar, (2014), was aimed at establishing the main geometric parameters that affects the stiffness of suspension spring. This was aimed at increasing the stiffness of the spring in order to reduce the body roll angle. The study found that the presence of proper geometric parameters can reduce body roll up to 67.68%. The weight also plays an important role in influencing the stability of the car. A lot of calculations were used during the establishment of the parameters. Computer software was also used during the process of carrying out the calculations. However the gap is lack of adequate supporting material from literature. The work by Bayrakceken, Tasgetiren & Aslantas, (2006), was aimed at establishing the fracture analysis of a suspension spring. This was through the analysis of the mechanical properties of suspension springs developed through the use of steel. It was established that the fracture of the spring takes place at the highly stressed region of the spring. In most case, the fracture takes place in a ductile manner. This was found to be common when the steel bars are used. The production process also influences the rate at which the fracture can take place. The gap in the research is the lack of comparison between different materials and their rate of fracture. Objective To determine the parameters that can be used to enhance the efficiency of the suspension spring during the design process. To determine the effects of parameters such as weight on the efficiency of the suspension spring. To determine the most effective material that can be used in the development of the suspension spring. To establish how materials may differ when developing high end small volume products and inexpensive mass products. Analysis The most commonly used materials in the construction of the suspension springs include carbon steel bars, hardened steel bars and alloy iron bars. The materials are commonly used due to different reasons including their strength (B. S. Institution, 2011). However the selection criteria for the material will consider factors such as strength, weight, stability and the ability to resist shear stress. The weight is an important aspect as it has to be much lower as compared to that of the competitor. Several calculations will be used based on the selection criteria. The calculation of strength will be based on the stress and torque using the following formula: Where Ϭ is the bending stress and г is the torsional stress. Shear module (G) can be calculated using the following formula: The fracture at the bend is also a problem that may result from lack of proper bending. The material properties also influence the strength and it will also be used as part of the selection criteria. The following will be used for determining the input properties. Young’s Modulus = 2.1 x  Mpa The poison’s ratio of 0.3 will also be used as the materials are made of steel. The weight of the bar will be dependant o the load that it has to support. The load has to be at least 30% of the weight of the bar. The criteria will therefore play an important role in ensuring that the requirements are met. The stiffness of the bar can be calculated using the following equation:  =  Results The materials have different weight although the mechanical properties are the same. The similarity in the mechanical properties can be attributed to all the materials having components of steel. The best stiffness of the spring can be achieved through having a minimum length of the bar. The stiffness of the spring is not affected by the weight. The weight may be reduced and the same stiffness can still be achieved. An increase in the stiffness plays an important role in reducing the body roll angle. The momentum of inertia for the bar used to manufacture the spring is increases when it becomes stiffer. The stress is usually high at the bends which may impact negatively on the ability to resists fracture (Tong, et al, 2015). The fractures can easily take place at the bends. The geometrical data has to be selected in order to determine the correct angle for bending the bar. The type of material is also a factor that determines the ability of the fracture to take place. The safety and reliability of the bar is dependent on the strength and this forms an important consideration. Fundamental design philosophies are required in order to ensure that the safety aspects are considered. A lot of materials can be saved when the hallow steel is used for the purposes of constructing the bar. Discussion The most suitable material for the construction of the suspension spring is the hardened steel. This material is of a lower weight as compared to the solid steel bar. It will reduce the weight of the bar by up to 60%. It is therefore an indication that it can be used for the purposes of carrying out the redesign process. The aim of reducing the weight of the bar will also be achieved through the use of the hardened steel bars. It requirement in terms of strength is also good due to its stiffness. The hardened steel also meets the requirement in terms of the strength. The reduction in the weight leads to the reduction in the amount of materials required (Harshal, Rushikesh & Baskar, 2014). This has positive impacts on the cost required during the construction process. When producing the same component for a high end small volume, the solid steel bar may be used since it requires a lot of materials and it is also costly. The high end small volume customers can be able to purchase the materials constructed using carbon steel bars as it is also costly. However where production is required in mass and the lifespan is not an issue, the hallow steel can be used for the construction process. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that the suspension spring plays an important role in the cars. The stability of the car is improved through the use of the suspension spring and it also reduces the chance of a car bouncing on rough terrains. It is evident that the type of material used is important in influencing the performance of the bar. The factors such as stiffness, geometry, weight and type of material are useful in influencing the performance of the bar. It is evident that the bar has to resist various forces which influence its failure. It is evident that the most suitable material is hardened steel. It has the potential of reducing the weight of the bar and hence meeting the requirements of the organization. It is also evident that the hardened steel can be used in the construction of springs that are required in large numbers. Carbon steel can also be used but only for small quantities and for the high end customers. References B. S. Institution. (2011). All terrain vehicles (ATVs-Quads). Safety requirements and test methods, Vol 43(140), p 76. Heibing, B. (2011). Metin Ersoy Chassis Handbook. Wiesbaden. Wittek, A. M., Richter, H., & Lazars, B. (2010). Stabilizer bars: Part 1, calculations and construction. Transport problems 5(4), 135-143. Kanna, S. L., Tare, S. V., & Kalje, A. M. (2014). Feasibility of hallow stability bar. IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, 76-80. Tong, Y. et al. (2015). Functional Specification for ATVs (All-terrain vehicles) Anti-rolling System. Fraser University. Harshal, B., Rushikesh, K., & Baskar, P. (2014). Finite Element Analysis of Suspension spring to Optimize the Stiffness of the Suspension spring and the Body Roll. IJMER, Vol 4(5), 11-23. Bayrakceken, H., Tasgetiren, S., & Aslantas, K. (2006). Fracture of an automobile suspension spring. Engineering Failure Analysis, Vol 13, 732–738. Read More

The material used to manufacture the suspension spring is also an important factor that has to be considered. Components The suspension spring has a few components which enables it carry out its functions. The main components of the suspension spring include shocks and struts (Harshal, Rushikesh & Baskar, 2014). Although the components may appear to be separate, they work together. Scope of work To carry out a design for a suspension spring using a well designed material that will reduce the weight in all the components and improve on the performance.

This will also involve how the materials will differ for high end small volume product and inexpensive mass products with little emphasis on lifespan. Aims To determine suitable material for the construction suspension spring. Determining the appropriate testing methods to ensure safety. Literature study The work carried out by Wittek, Richter & Lazars, (2010), outlines the calculations that are useful in the design of suspension springs. The main aim of the work is to determine the strength properties, durability, reliability and weight of the suspension spring.

These physical characteristics are important in determining the materials that can be used in the constriction of the suspension springs. It was found that the calculations are useful during the design process and the manufacturers should not alter the calculations. However, the main gap in the research is that it lacks adequate examples with regards to the materials that can be used to construct the suspension springs. The work carried out by Kanna, Tare & Kalje, (2014), was aimed at determining the stability of the suspension springs.

The works also seeks to establish the effects of stability on the ability to resist forces such as roll stiffness. It was established that stability of the suspension spring plays an important role in improving on the confidence of the drivers. It was also established that the hardened steels contain large amount of shear strength as compared to the carbon steel. The use of the hardened steel can play an important role in saving a large amount of materials. The gap is the lack of adequate materials to support some of the findings.

The work carried out by Tong, et al, (2015), is aimed at establishing the anti-rolling system that is suitable for preventing the vehicles from rolling. It has been highlighted that roll over by the vehicles is one of the most common accidents and a major cause of death. It was found that the roll over can be prevented with the presence of a suitable bar with an appropriate strength. The strength of the material among other factor is important in terms of enhancing the stability of the vehicle.

The gap in the research is the lack of data to support most of the findings regarding the strength of the bar. The study by Harshal, Rushikesh & Baskar, (2014), was aimed at establishing the main geometric parameters that affects the stiffness of suspension spring. This was aimed at increasing the stiffness of the spring in order to reduce the body roll angle. The study found that the presence of proper geometric parameters can reduce body roll up to 67.68%. The weight also plays an important role in influencing the stability of the car.

A lot of calculations were used during the establishment of the parameters. Computer software was also used during the process of carrying out the calculations. However the gap is lack of adequate supporting material from literature. The work by Bayrakceken, Tasgetiren & Aslantas, (2006), was aimed at establishing the fracture analysis of a suspension spring. This was through the analysis of the mechanical properties of suspension springs developed through the use of steel. It was established that the fracture of the spring takes place at the highly stressed region of the spring.

In most case, the fracture takes place in a ductile manner. This was found to be common when the steel bars are used. The production process also influences the rate at which the fracture can take place.

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