Articles | Volume 8, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-8-11-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-8-11-2017
Research article
 | 
24 Feb 2017
Research article |  | 24 Feb 2017

Elasto-kinematics design of an innovative composite material suspension system

Shuang Xu, Alessandro Ferraris, Andrea Giancarlo Airale, and Massimiliana Carello

Abstract. In this paper, a lightweight suspension system for small urban personal transportation vehicle is presented. A CFRP (Carbon fiber reinforce polymer) beam spring has been used to efficiently integrate the functions of suspension control arm and anti-roll bar. Composites materials were chosen to tailor the required behavior of the beam spring and to reduce the weight. Furthermore, larger space for engine compartment has been provided thanks to the compact arrangement of beam suspension components. This suspension could be installed on electric/hybrid vehicles and conventional automobiles.

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Short summary
A Composite material (Carbon fiber reinforce polymer) leaf spring has been used to efficiently integrate the functions of suspension control arm and anti-roll bar in a compact passenger suspension. Composites materials were chosen to tailor the required behavior of the leaf spring and to reduce the weight. The research is done with multiple simulation methods, such as MBD and FEM. DoE is also performed to find the best combination of variables in the model.