Design and Analysis of Hybrid Composite Leaf Spring for Automotive Applications: An Extensive Study

The main objective of any automobile industry is to improve the behaviour of the vehicle which means improving vehicular stability (vibrational characteristics) during motion or in rest condition which in turn affects the safety of passengers. A good suspension system largely influences the behaviour of a vehicle. Leaf spring holds great importance in suspension system as it carries the vertical loads and absorbs vibrations produced. This review is basically done to emphasize on the different composite materials (natural/synthetic/hybrid) used while fabricating leaf spring as most of the automobile companies are looking for lightweight material apart from conventional steel. Other aspects like savings in weight, increase in strength and the overall cost incurred were taken into consideration. An in-depth focus is also provided to the design and analysis aspect.