Computational Analysis of Leaf Spring System With Functionally Graded Materials Using ANSYS

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Charan Gopi Krishna Kondapalli,

  • S. N. Padhi,

  • Shaik. Nagoor. Baba,

  1. M.Tech Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Laksmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Laksmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. M.Tech Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koneru Laksmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Leaf springs are important parts of a vehicle’s suspension system, and their main function is to absorb shocks, improve stability, and make the ride more comfortable. Traditionally, ASTM A36 steel is used because it is strong, long-lasting, affordable, and easy to get. However, this type of steel is very dense, which makes vehicles heavier. This extra weight makes the vehicle less efficient and increases emissions. Because of these issues, there is now a search for lighter materials that can perform as well as or better than steel.This paper will compute five different materials—ASTM A36 steel, Aluminium 7050-T7451, Carbon Fibre (with a modulus of 395 GPa), Titanium alloy Ti-3Al-2.5V, and a Fly-Ash composite—using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on ANSYS Workbench. This work is new in form of systematic computational analysis of functional graded materials (FGMs) to be used as leaf springs through which material properties are systematically swept across the structure to optimize performance properties.The results show that ASTM A36 steel has the least deformation and strain energy, which means it is rigid but not very good at absorbing energy.Carbon fibre has very low deformability and high strength which makes it as an excellent choice for lightweight and also for high-performance applications. Alumunium and Fly-ash composites material both provide more advantages than steel, and they will aid in reduced weight which reduces the fuel consumption and also the operating expenses. Whereas, titanium alloy given us a balance between strength and weight. These computational model results were compared to literature data on the conventional steel leaf springs and it was observed that the model was in good agreement with the experimental results recorded in earlier studies. Overall, Carbon Fibre and Aluminium-based composites can be a good alternative choice to steel in leaf spring design. This could modify to lighter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly suspension systems, and support the automotive industry’s to move towards with high-performance and sustainable vehicles.

Keywords: Leaf springs, suspension system, ASTM A36 steel, lightweight materials, fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs), carbon fibre, Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

How to cite this article:
Charan Gopi Krishna Kondapalli, S. N. Padhi, Shaik. Nagoor. Baba. Computational Analysis of Leaf Spring System With Functionally Graded Materials Using ANSYS. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Charan Gopi Krishna Kondapalli, S. N. Padhi, Shaik. Nagoor. Baba. Computational Analysis of Leaf Spring System With Functionally Graded Materials Using ANSYS. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239790


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
02
Received 05/09/2025
Accepted 17/09/2025
Published 07/04/2026
Publication Time 214 Days
15

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