Abstract:

A finite-element dynamic analysis model was built to solve the problem that the traditional designing and calculation methods of leaf spring had difficult in taking consideration of the true working condition. The nonlinear factors of both constrains and contacts were considered comprehensively in the model, and the
dynamic properties of the leaf spring was investigated. The responds of the model under excitation were acquired via finite-element transient dynamic method, and the laws of dynamic stiffness and stress under various frequency and amplitudes was obtained. The hysteresis was analyzed and the equivalent damping
of leaf spring was calculated from the hysteresis. The result shows that the modelling method which takes comprehensive consideration of the nonlinear constrains and contacts can effectively simulate the true working condition of leaf spring.

Key words: leaf spring , finite element analysis , dynamic characteristic , equivalent damping