Manufacturing Process for Production of Composite Leaf Springs for 5-Ton Truck

摘要

The objective of this program was to design leaf springs for the Army 5-ton truck using composite materials and to establish the best manufacturing process for producing the springs in modest quantities (25 sets of spring assemblies per day), while maintaining consistent material properties. Ten rear spring assemblies (Phase I) and ten front spring assemblies (Phase II) were fabricated from the established process. Steel leaves were used in combination with fiberglass/epoxy leaves. The steel leaves assures interchangability with the existing all steel leaf springs. S-2 glass fibers was used in the composite leaves to meet the performance requirements. This report includes the results of the design study, material selection, and fabrication process evaluation, are included in the report. A description of the fabrication process used in making prototype parts is included as well as an economic analysis for producing composite leaf springs in large quantities. Originator - supplied keywords include: Fiberglass-Epoxy, Resin Matrix Composites, and Truck - Automotive Components.