Composite leaf springs: saving weight in production suspension systems

Reports on the use of leaf springs in the automotive industry and details the advantages of using composites in this application. Composites have high strength-to-weight ratio, fatigue resistance and natural frequency. Internal damping in the composite material leads to better vibration energy absorption within the material, resulting in reduced transmission of vibration noise to neighbouring structures. To date glass- and carbon-fibre composite leaf springs have been used in low volume models but emerging processes could mean that they will soon be used in mass production. Source :  http://www.twi-global.com/news-events/industry-updates/equipment-consumables-and-materials-industry/