Structural analysis and shape optimization in leaf spring used in trucks
Leaf spring is a basic form of suspension, widely used in commercial vehicles like tempo, truck etc . It is made up of layers of long steel plates of varying lengths, sandwiched one upon the other. Leaf spring is attached to chassis with the help of leaf spring mounting bracket. Shape and size of the bracket differs from vehicle to vehicle. As bracket acts as a link between chassis and suspension, it can be redesigned in optimum manner, such that it will have low weight and can efficiently transfer stresses without failure. We will be performing weight optimization of leaf spring bracket of LCV Diesel truck, using Topology optimization method. Leaf spring bracket is modeled, Real condition forces and constrains are applied on bracket. Static and fatigue analysis is done using Ansys software. Topology optimization of leaf spring bracket is done in Ansys 19. Final optimized bracket is redesigned as per result generated by topology optimization in Ansys and manufacturing feasibility.