Determinaton of the Spring Characteristic of a Parabolic Leaf Spring Used in a Military Vehicle by Using Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis

The load-deflection characteristic of the parabolic leaf springs used in the solid front suspension of a four-wheel-drive multi-purpose service vehicle is determined by using nonlinear finite element analysis. for this purpose, a detailed finite element model of the parabolic leaf springs of the vehicle was created and the non-linear finite element analysis of the system was carried out. by this way, vertical force-deflection characteristic of the leaf spring was obtained. results obtained from the non-linear finite element simulation are in good agreement with the results of the vertical loading test. it was determined that the deviation between the spring coefficient obtained from the finite element analysis and the test results does not exceed 3.3% for 146 mm of the wheel travel. in the final stage of the work, the influence of shackle on the spring characteristic was investigated. by using the present application, it is possible to determine the leaf spring design dimensions that will provide the targeted vertical vibration frequency for vehicle body.