Multibody and Finite Element models of a leaf-spring suspension for vehicle dynamics applications: numerical model, tests and correlation

Leaf springs are still used as components of suspension systems especially in trains, trucks and heavy duty vehicles.Mathematical models of leaf springsare therefore needed for the prediction of comfort and handling of vehicles at design stage. This paper is focused on the Multibody and Finite Element approaches with the goal of finding a good compromise between accuracy and computational speed. A leaf spring,part of the rear suspension of a commercialpick-up truck,has been tested to determine its responseboth in static and dynamic conditions (harmonic loading at different frequency up to 10 Hz and with different preload levels). Finite element and multibody models were developed; their outputs were compared with experimentation results and their performance was analysed terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.