Abstract
In this study, the suspension behaviour of Kenaf and Hemp reinforced Epoxy composites leaf springs were evaluated and compared to that of steel and synthetic fibre composites leaf spring. The analysis to investigate the bio-composites performance under static and dynamic loads was carried out using the finite element ANSYS software. The results showed that both natural composite leaf springs having approximately 50 times the deformation, strain energy, and similar stresses as structural steel, and a weight reduction of 83.1 %. The dynamic analysis revealed that the first natural frequencies of the Kenaf and Hemp fibre reinforced epoxy composites leaf springs were higher than the typical road irregularity frequency. The natural frequency of bio-composites leaf springs is 18.506 Hz for kenaf fiber/epoxy composites and 18.502 Hz for hemp fiber/epoxy composites, which is approximately 54 % higher than the frequency of road irregularities of 12 Hz.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
