Fabrication of hybrid composite materials leaf spring

One of the oldest forms of spring used to have good suspension in wheeled vehicles is leaf spring. It reduces the overall fuel consumption and cost by reducing weight of the suspension systems. Replacing steel springs with composite leaf springs is one of the most effective methods. Introducing composite leaf springs to improve safety, comfort, and durability. Composite materials have a good corrosion resistance, a high strength to weight ratio, and high elastic strain energy storage capacity. The aim of this research is to investigate the structural properties of a hybrid leaf spring made of 95% Epoxy,5% carbon, 5%glass fiber, and 5% of hybrid composite of carbon and glass fiber. Hand layup was used in the fabrication due to its advantages over the other methods. The effectiveness of the proposed composite leaf spring was evaluated by implementing the mechanical tests. Tensile, Impact, Hardness and Flexural tests were done. The experimental results showed an increase in Hardness, Impact, Tensile, and Flexural strength when the reinforcing fibers are applied. The best results of the mechanical test obtained when hybrid reinforcement was applied.