Effect of fiber-matrix volume fraction and fiber orientation on the design of composite suspension system

Abstract

The suspension is one of the most essential parts of the vehicle whose main purpose is to absorb the energy transmitted by the bump to the vehicle. It also helps to maintain the surface contact of wheels with the road for better stability, ride and comfort. Carbon-epoxy composites are being extensively used in the automobile industry due to its high strength and specific stiffness. The main objective of this work is to identify the suitability of unidirectional carbon fiber for the design of composite suspension system by considering the effect of fiber-matrix volume fractions and fiber orientation. Double-wish bone type suspension system was considered for analysis. The control arms in the suspension system which are generally made up of Low Carbon Steel were replaced by Unidirectional carbon fiber. The strength of the composite material depends on the amount of fiber and matrix content which are indicated by fiber-matrix volume fractions. Fiber orientation also plays an important role in the design of composite materials since the direction of maximum strength depends on it. Various fiber-matrix volume fractions are considered and the material properties in each case are found by conducting tensile and compression testing on UTM. Thus from the experimental data the volume fractions with better mechanical properties are chosen. The suspension model was modelled in UG-NX and finite element analysis (FEA) was performed using ANSYS 18.1. The mechanical properties found experimentally were considered for analysis. For various fiber orientations, analysis was carried out and the orientation is found.