Abstract
This paper shows the feasibility of using carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials for manufacturing automotive coil springs. For achieving weight reduction by replacing steel with composite materials, it is essential to optimize the material parameters and design variables of the coil spring. First, the shear modulus of a CFRP beam model, which has 45° ply angles for maximum torsional stiffness, was calculated and compared with the test results. The diameter of the composite spring was predicted to be 17.5 mm for ensuring a spring rate equal to that when using steel material. Finally, a finite element model of the composite coil spring with 45° ply angles and 17.5 mm wire diameter was constructed and analyzed for obtaining the static spring rate, which was then compared with experimental results.
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