Numerical tests of the double spring with hangers

Subject of the work include selected numerical models of the test stand intended for testing a prototype double multi-leaf spring of bi-linear nature. Basic design assumptions of the stand were as follows: provide laboratory tests of multi-leaf (single and double) springs designed for dependent suspensions of passenger cars of permissible weight up to 3,5 tones. The stand should allow for testing basic spring and strength characteristics in the quasi-static conditions and dynamic conditions with the impact of the force impulse or a set variable load characterized by a particular force amplitude (displacement) and frequency of its variations. Considered stand models include the tested spring, base, support and the hanger. This paper presents two types of FEM models of the spring element (beam and 3D). In the first element, components of the spring-hanger system were mapped by means of beam elements, in the second one by means of definite solid elements. The spring was loaded with a vertical force from 0 to 10000 N. A non-linear analysis of the bi-linear spring was carried out including clearance as well as the elastic analysis of the stand. The results of the numerical tests are presented in a form of tabular specifications, diagrams of displacements, and reduced stresses of selected components of the stand.