Numerical Investigation on Composite Mono-Leaf Springs Reinforced with Polyurethane/Carbon Nanotubes (PU/CNTs) Nanoweb Interlayers

Year 2019, Volume: 15 Issue: 4, 357 - 364, 30.12.2019

Bertan Beylergil

https://doi.org/10.18466/cbayarfbe.455110

Abstract

Composite materials have been widely
used in automobile industry to reduce vehicle weight and cut CO₂
emissions. With the rapid advancement of nanotechnology, it is now possible to
improve the mechanical performance of these materials more than ever before. In
this study, mechanical behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/EP) composite mono-leaf
springs reinforced with polyurethane/carbon
nanotubes (PU/CNTs) nanoweb interlayers was investigated numerically. The
numerical analyses were carried by using ANSYS Workbench with ACP module. The
numerical verification of the finite element model was carried out by comparing
numerical results against analytical calculations. Then, the verified FE model
was extended to this study. The numerical results showed that the stiffness of
the composite wave springs could be increased by 18% with the addition of
PU/CNTs nanofibers in the interlaminar region without weight and thickness
increase. It was also observed that the natural frequency values increased by
8% after the addition of these nanofibers.

Keywords

leaf spring, composite, stiffness, polyurethane, carbon nanotubes

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