Leaf spring suspensions are simpler when it comes to the functionality as the axle is suspended by the spring and doesn’t require arduous suspension geometry of the coil-spring set-up. Leaf springs are much sturdier in comparison to coil springs. They’re capable of handling much highest loads with less deflection than coils, trucks with leaf springs are also easier to raise or lower.
Leaf springs’ simply means each spring is attached at fixed points on the chassis, it leaves a miniscule area for adjustability and customisation of the suspension geometry. These springs also flex a great deal less than coil springs which means loss of wheel-to-ground contact under extreme conditions.
Strong and simple construction, linking holds the axle in position without the need for separate linkage.
Leaf springs can support the weight of the chassis of a vehicle and so it is perfect for use on commercial vehicles.
They control axle damping- to damper means the main function of a shock. They are used to control spring oscillation by using hydraulic fluid.
Typically, they are simple in design and cheaper to produce
They aren’t always the easiest to install
Over time the springs tend to lose shape and can be prone to sagging. When the spring starts to become uneven, it can alter the cross weight of the vehicle and therefore may affect the handling. This can also alter the axle-to-mount angle.
Wind-up and vibration can be caused by acceleration and braking torque. The wind-up can also cause nose-diving and rear-end squat.
For more information on leaf springs, find out more here.
Thread starter
kannanraja
Start date
Jan 10, 2015Tags
In summary, Airbag suspension systems are gradually replacing leaf springs in passenger cars. The quality of steel in a swing arm is lower than that needed for a spring because the continuous flexing does not lead to fatigue cracking as it does in springs. Coil springs are better behaved than leaf springs because they do not need to be tapered or laminated.
kannanraja
to make leaf spring we can use any plastic materials ? what are strong plastics? please find it friends
Doug Huffman
Gold Member
Kevlar is strong in tension. Layered with a plastic strong in compression makes a good plastic spring - though commonly expressed as a bow strung for shooting arrows. Similar shape, same technology.
Science Advisor
2023 Award
You cannot expect the members of PF to search for a new special spring material just because you hate steel.kannanraja said:
Welcome to PF.You cannot expect the members of PF to search for a new special spring material just because you hate steel.If you have a new material or technology then please let us know. We will review your suggestion.
dragoneyes001
what use would the leaf springs have? if its automotive i'd be surprised that the engineers creating super-cars would not have already tested the longevity of plastics for leaf springs under the loads a car would create simply to drop more useless weight from the cars (springs are a big weight in cars made mostly of kevlar.)
OCR
kannanraja said:
Dave McLellan said:
Carroll Smith said:
You probably mean... fibre-reinforced plastics If so, then yes...
dragoneyes001
figured someone had already been looking at this the shear weight savings of losing big steel springs would drop fuel consumption enough to be worth the effort.OCR said:
If so, then yes...You probably mean... fibre-reinforced plastics If so, then yes... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvette_leaf_spring
figured someone had already been looking at this the shear weight savings of losing big steel springs would drop fuel consumption enough to be worth the effort.
Dennis C
Hey OCR, just want to state my admiration for Carroll Smith.
He took the fight for Ford to Ferrari and beat them at Lemans.
The man was a genius and an real Engineer "In Theory And Practice".
His books taught me so much when we started racing Formula Fords.
May He rest in Peace!
(sorry to go off subject here)
DC
Science Advisor
2023 Award
Since the 1970s, airbag suspension systems have been gradually replacing leaf springs.
The leaf spring is simple and locates the axle relative to the vehicle body. Without a leaf spring there needs to be a swing arm with some additional sway control structure. The quality of the steel in a swing arm is lower than that needed for a spring because the continuous flexing does not lead to fatigue cracking as it does in springs. Unlike a leaf spring, the swing arm can benefit from the use of a hollow section.
The competition is not for a better material for leaf springs, but for a more durable and resilient rubber material.
Science Advisor
Baluncore said:
Not normally. Most cars use some kind of strut or double wishbone design with steel coil springs. Airbags are uncommon.
Science Advisor
2023 Award
Coil springs are better behaved than leaf springs because they do not need to be tapered or laminated.cjl said:
Coil springs are better behaved than leaf springs because they do not need to be tapered or laminated.Leaf springs have been gradually disappearing. In light cars, leaf springs are usually replaced with coil springs. But in heavy vehicle suspension systems, leaf springs have been widely replaced by airbag suspension. Airbag suspension does less damage to the road than leaf spring suspension. Airbags permit higher tyre pressures which reduces sidewall flexing, they lower tyre temperature which extends tyre life. Airbag suspension is also easily adjustable.
Science Advisor
Do trucks use air suspension typically then? That's fascinating - I didn't know that. I was purely referring to passenger cars, where coils are the most common spring type right now.
Science Advisor
2023 Award
Airbag suspension is more expensive than coil springs.Take a look at this; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_suspension Discussion re: the advantages to heavier vehicles; http://4wdaction.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=97961&start=30To see the availability of retro-fit bags for cars … google; airbag suspension kits
A leaf spring is a type of suspension system commonly used in vehicles to support the weight of the vehicle and absorb shocks from the road. It consists of multiple layers of curved metal strips stacked on top of each other. An alternative design may be necessary to improve the ride quality, durability, or weight of the vehicle.
Some common alternatives to leaf springs include coil springs, air springs, torsion bars, and independent suspension systems. Each of these alternatives has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one to use depends on the specific needs of the vehicle.
Some potential benefits of using an alternative design for leaf springs include improved handling and ride quality, reduced weight, and increased durability. Alternative designs may also allow for more flexibility in vehicle design and customization.
Engineers consider various factors such as the weight of the vehicle, desired ride quality, terrain conditions, and cost when determining the best alternative design for leaf springs. They may also conduct simulations and tests to evaluate the performance of different designs before making a decision.
While alternative designs may offer advantages, they may also have some drawbacks. For example, some alternative designs may be more expensive to produce, or they may require more maintenance. Additionally, some alternative designs may not be suitable for certain types of vehicles or terrain conditions.