Modeling and analysis of Polyurethane filled automotive coil spring for enhanced damping application

Abstract

Ameliorating advancement, innovation and competition urges an automotive industry to reengineer the older items with novel composite materials. Several advancements on Suspension system of a vehicles are being carried out as it renders a feasible gateway for the reduction of vehicle weight to obtain improved efficiency. Helical Spring, being a vital part in the structure of suspension system is engaging the focus of researchers from a long time ago. As composite materials having numerous points of interest over steel materials make it concern full for an automobile industry and research on composite materials for helical springs is holding the researcher’s attention from a few past years. This paper breaks down the plausibility of composite material adoption for the helical spring and its feasibility in a suspension system with respect to conventional SSRS (Solid Steel Reference Spring). Purposed composite material Spring, RFS (Rubber Filled Spring), which is comprised of Polyurethane filled inside a hollow steel spring is designed and incorporating SSRS behavior of both springs upon a specified road profile have been studied. Rubber filled spring entailed improved damping along with suitable stiffness, lower weight and acceptable manufacturing process which resulted in mandatory drive comfort, improved road handling and improved efficiency of vehicle.