A Mini project

report
on

Design,
Manufacturing and
Failure Analysis
of
Leaf Spring

1
 CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
LIST OF FIGURES
SYMBOLS

1. INTRODUCTION TO LEAF SPRING ....................................................................................... 7

2. HISTORY OF LEAF SPRING ...................................................................................................... 9
3. DESGN OF LEAF SPRING ........................................................................................................ 12
3.1. Materials for leaf spring ......................................................................................................... 12
3.2. Steel ...................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.2. Types of steel...................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.3. Spring steel ......................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.4. Role of carbon in steel ........................................................................................................ 16
3.3. Types of leaf springs ................................................................................................................ 17
3.4. Design of leaf spring................................................................................................................ 19
3.5. Length of leaf spring leaves ..................................................................................................... 28
3.6. Standard sizes of automobile suspension springs ................................................................ 29
3.7. Dimensions for center bolts .................................................................................................. 30
3.8. Dimensions of clip,rivet and bolts ....................................................................................... 30
4. MANUFACTURING OF LEAF SPRING.................................................................................. 32
4.1. Raw material ............................................................................................................................ 34
4.2. Shearing or cutting process ................................................................................................... 34
4.3. Drilling operation..................................................................................................................... 35
4.4. Eye rolling of main blade ........................................................................................................ 36
4.5. Hardening (Quenching) ........................................................................................................... 37
4.6. Tempering ................................................................................................................................ 39
4.7. Hardness testing .................................................................................................................... 41
4.8. Fitting .................................................................................................................................... 43
4.8.1. Clamps .......................................................................................................................... 43
4.8.2. Bolts and nuts ............................................................................................................... 45
4.8.3. Rivets ............................................................................................................................ 46

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 4.8.4. MS pipe ........................................................................................................................ 46
4.8.5. Bushes........................................................................................................................... 46
4.9. Painting .................................................................................................................................... 46
4.10. Labeling ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.11. Inspection ............................................................................................................................... 47
4.12. Stock ready to supply............................................................................................................. 47
5. FAILURE ANALYSIS OF LEAF SPRING ............................................................................... 48
5.1. Failure analysis ........................................................................................................................ 49
5.2. Quench cracks .......................................................................................................................... 49
5.3. Optical Metallurgical Microscope ........................................................................................... 50
5.4. Scanning Electron Microscope ................................................................................................ 51
5.5. Tensile test of leaf spring......................................................................................................... 53
5.6. Fatigue test of leaf spring ....................................................................................................... 54
5.7. Increasing the fatigue strength of leaf spring ......................................................................... 56
5.8. When to repair ......................................................................................................................... 58
5.9. When to replace ....................................................................................................................... 59

6. CONCLUSION

BIBLOGRAPHY

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 ABSTRACT

Although leaf springs are one of the oldest suspension components they are
still frequently used, especially in commercial vehicles. Being able to capture the leafspring
characteristics is of significant importance for vehicle handling dynamics studies. This report
describes the theoretical design considerations that are used during the design of leaf springs
including the design of various accessories such as rivets,bolts,nuts,clips and main spring. It
also decribes the manufacturing process of leaf springs and the failures that are caused in the
leaf springs and there remedies. Various tests such as fatigue test, tensile test are carried out to
determine the failure analysis of leaf springs and necessary modifications are described in order
to increase the fatigue strength of leaf springs. This report also describes when to repair and
when to replace a deformed leaf spring.

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 LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 1

Figure 1(a): Leaf Springs

CHAPTER 2

Figure 2(a): Leaf spring suspension

CHAPTER 3

Figure 3(a): Types of leaf springs

Figure 3(b): Flat spring (cantilever type)

Figure 3(c): Stress diagram

Figure 3(d): Flat spring (simply supported beam type)

Figure 3(e): Traingular plate

Figure 3(f): Laminated leaf spring

Figure 3(g): Construction of leaf spring

Figure 3(h): Nipping

Figure 3(i): Spring clip

CHAPTER 4

Figure 4(a) : Steel alloy

Figure 4(b): 100 ton press cutting machine

Figure 4(c): Vertical drilling machine

Figure 4(d): Eye rolling of main spring

Figure 4(e): Hardening

Figure 4(f): Hydraulic bending machine

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Figure 4(g): Tempering process Figure

4(h): Tempering furnace

Figure 4(i): Rockwell hardness tester

Figure 4(j): Clamps of different sizes

Figure 4(k): Circular cutting die of clamp

Figure 4(l): Bolts and rivets

Figure 4(m): Bush

Figure 4(n): Painting

Figure 4(o): Labeling

Figure 4(p): Stock ready to supply

CHAPTER 5

Figure 5(a): Metallurgical Microscope

Figure 5(b): Scanning Electron Microscope

Figure 5(c): Failure Material Leaf Spring and Received Material Leaf Spring

Figure 5(d): Universal Tensile Testing Machine

Figure 5(e): Fatigue test

SYMBOLS

t = Thickness of plate b = Width of plate

L = Length of plate or distancenof the load W from the

cantilever end.

M = Maximum bending moment Z = Section modulus σ =

Bending stress δ = Maximum deflection

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E = Young‟s modulus W = Total

load on the spring n = Number of

leaves nG = Number of graduated

leaves nF = Number of full length

leaves

C = Initial gap between the leaves

Wb = The load on the clip bolts

WG = Load taken up by graduated leaves

WF = Load taken up by full length leaves

σG = Stress in the graduated leaves σF =

Stress in the full length leaves d = Inside

diameter of eye R = Radius of curvature

y = Camber of the spring

L1 = Half span of the spring

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 1. INTRODUCTION TO LEAF SPRING

Originally Leaf spring called laminated or carriage spring, a leaf spring is a simple form
of spring, commonly used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles. It is also one of the oldest
forms of springing, dating back to medieval times.

Sometimes referred to as a semi-elliptical spring or cart spring, it takes the form of a slender
arc-shaped length of spring steel of rectangular cross-section. The center of the arc provides
location for the axle, while tie holes are provided at either end for attaching to the vehicle body.
For very heavy vehicles, a leaf spring can be made from several leaves stacked on top of each
other in several layers, often with progressively shorter leaves. Leaf springs can serve locating
and to some extent damping as well as springing functions.

A leaf spring can either be attached directly to the frame at both ends or attached directly at one
end, usually the front, with the other end attached through a shackle, a short swinging arm. The
shackle takes up the tendency of the leaf spring to elongate when compressed and thus makes
for softer springiness.

Figure 1(a): Leaf Springs

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 2. History of Leaf Spring

There were a variety of leaf springs, usually employing the word

"elliptical". "Elliptical" or "full elliptical" leaf springs referred to two circular arcs linked at
their tips. This was joined to the frame at the top center of the upper arc, the bottom center was
joined to the "live" suspension components, such as a solid front axle. Additional suspension
components, such as trailing arms, would be needed for this design, but not for "semi-elliptical"
leaf springs as used in the Hotchkiss drive. That employed the lower arc, hence its name.
"Quarter-elliptic" springs often had the thickest part of the stack of leaves stuck into the rear
end of the side pieces of a short ladder frame, with the free end attached to the differential, as
in the Austin Seven of the 1920s. As an example of non-elliptic leaf springs, the Ford Model T
had multiple leaf springs over its differential that were curved in the shape of a yoke. As a
substitute for dampers (shock absorbers), some manufacturers laid non-metallic sheets in
between the metal leaves, such as wood.

Leaf springs were very common on automobiles, right up to the 1970s, when the move to front
wheel drive, and more sophisticated suspension designs saw automobile manufacturers use coil
springs instead. U.S. passenger cars used leaf springs until 1989 where the Chrysler M platform
was the final production vehicle marketed. However, leaf springs are still used in heavy
commercial vehicles such as vans and trucks, and railway carriages. For heavy vehicles, they
have the advantage of spreading the load more widely over the vehicle's chassis, whereas coil
springs transfer it to a single point. Unlike coil springs, leaf springs also locate the rear axle,
eliminating the need for trailing arms and a Panhard rod, thereby saving cost and weight in a
simple live axle rear suspension.

A more modern implementation is the parabolic leaf spring. This design is characterized by
fewer leaves whose thickness varies from centre to ends following a parabolic curve. In this
design, inter-leaf friction is unwanted, and therefore there is only contact between the springs
at the ends and at the centre where the axle is connected. Spacers prevent contact at other points.
Aside from a weight saving, the main advantage of parabolic springs is their greater flexibility,
which translates into vehicle ride quality that approaches that of coil springs.

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There is a trade-off in the form of reduced load carrying capability.

Like most other fundamental mechanisms, metal springs have existed since the Bronze Age.
Even before metals, wood was used as a flexible structural member in archery bows and
military catapults. Precision springs first became a necessity during the Renaissance with the
advent of accurate timepieces. The fourteenth century saw the development of precise clocks
which revolutionized celestial navigation. World exploration and conquest by the European
colonial powers continued to provide an impetus to the clockmakers' science and art. Firearms
were another area that pushed spring development.

The eighteenth century dawn of the industrial revolution raised the need for large, accurate, and
inexpensive springs. Whereas clockmakers' springs were often hand-made, now springs needed
to be mass-produced from music wire and the like. Manufacturing methodologies were
developed so that today springs are ubiquitous. Computer-controlled wire and sheet metal
bending machines now allow custom springs to be tooled within weeks, although the
throughput is not as high as that for dedicated machinery.

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 Figure 2(a): Leaf spring suspension

DESIGN

OF
LEAF SPRING

11
 3. DESIGN OF LEAF SPRING

3.1 Materials for leaf spring:

The material used for leaf springs is usually a plain carbon steel having 0.90 to
1.0% carbon. The leaves are heat treated after the forming process. The heat treatment of spring
steel produces greater strength and therefore greater load capacity, greater range of deflection
and better fatigue properties.

According to Indian standards, the recommended materials are :

1. For automobiles : 50 Cr 1, 50 Cr 1 V 23, and 55 Si 2 Mn 90 all used in hardened and
tempered state.
2. For rail road springs : C 55 (water-hardened), C 75 (oil-hardened), 40 Si 2 Mn 90
(waterhardened) and 55 Si 2 Mn 90 (oil-hardened).
3. The physical properties of some of these materials are given in the following table. All
values are for oil quenched condition and for single heat only.

Physical properties of materials commonly used for leaf springs :

3.2 STEEL

3.2.1 Introduction
Steel is an alloy of iron that contains the element iron as the major component
and small amounts of carbon as the major alloying element.

The carbon contents in steel ranges from 0.02% to 2.0% by weight. Small amounts, generally
on the order of few percent, of other alloying elements such as manganese, silicon, chromium,

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nickel and molybdenum may also be present, but it is the carbon content that turns iron into
steel. Also the properties like toughness and ductility are obtained by the addition of elements
like manganese, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, silicon etc.
Steel is the most common and widely used metallic material in today‟s society. It can be cast
or wrought into numerous forms and can be produced with tensile strength exceeding 5GPa.

3.2.2 Types of steel

Steel can be classified in many ways, such as method of manufacturing, its
final use and AISI standards, but mostly steel can be classified into following two categories:

1. Carbon Steel
2. Alloy Steel

Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is steel that receives its distinctive properties, mainly form carbon it
contains. Other elements, such as manganese, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur may be present in
relatively small amounts and their purpose is not to modify the mechanical properties of steel.
The carbon content of this grade may ranges from a trace to 1.7%.
The plain carbon steels are usually divided into three grades on the basis of their carbon content.
These are give as under.

a) Low Carbon Steel

The plain carbon steel in which carbon content ranges from 0.08 to below
0.3% are known as low carbon steel or mild steel.
Mild steel are not much affected by heat treatment processes specially hardening process. A
decrease in carbon improves the ductility of mild steels. These steels posses good machine
ability and weld ability. They are used for making wires, rivets, nuts and bolts, screws, sheets,
plates, tubes, rods, shafts, structural steel sections and form general work shop purposes.

b) Medium Carbon Steel

The plain carbon steel in which carbon content ranges from 0.3 to 0.8% are
called medium carbon steel.
These steels are stronger than mild steel but are less ductile. Their mechanical properties can
be much improved by proper heat treatment. They have lesser machine ability than mild steel.

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However, they can easily be welded and forged. They are used for making stronger nuts and
bolts, shafts, various steel sections, high tensile tubes, springs, locomotive, large forging dies,
hammer and agricultural tools etc.

c) High Carbon steel

The plain carbon steel in which carbon content range from 0.8 to 1.8% are
known as high carbon steel.
The structure and hardness of steel increases with the increase of carbon content and the
strength is almost maximum at about 0.8% carbon, there after hardness continuously increases
while strength decreases. Ductility and machine ability of steel decrease with increase of carbon
content from mild steel onwards. Their mechanical properties can be altered by proper heat
treatment. They are mainly used for making springs, wood working tools, press work dies and
punches.

Alloy Steel:

Alloy steels are the type of steels in which elements other than iron and carbon are
present in sufficient quantities to modify the properties. The utility of alloy steels lies in the
fact that they permit a much wider range of physical and mechanical properties than is possible
in plain carbon steel.
Alloy steels may be classified in many ways but for the purpose of convenience we may divide
it as follows:

a) Micro alloy steel:

Micro alloy steels are those steels in which the total alloying elements
present in steel other than iron and carbon are below one percent.
Micro alloy steels are widely used in many engineering industries such as manufacturing of
pipe lines, automobiles and in aircraft industries. Micro alloy steel is used in these industries
because of its good strength, light weight and good weld ability. Some common micro alloy
steels contain small amounts of vanadium m, columbium, copper, manganese. Micro alloy
steels are only slightly heavier than pure iron but are as strong as some steels.
b) Low alloy steel:

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Low alloy steels are those steels in which the total alloying elements present in steel other than
that of iron and carbon are above one percent and below 5%. Low alloy steels have superior
mechanical properties than plain carbon steels. Superior properties usually mean higher
strength, hardness, hot hardness, wear resistance and toughness.

3.2.3 Spring Steel

Spring steel is a low alloy, medium carbon steel with a very high yield
strength. This allows objects made of spring steel to return to their original shape despite
significant bending or twisting. Spring steel chemical composition which is given as under:
ELEMENTS IN LEAF % OF ELEMENTS
SPRING
CARBON 0.5 ~0.65
SILICON 0.15 ~0.35
MANGANESE 0.65 ~0.95
PHOPHOROUS 0.035
SILICON 0.035
CHROMIUM 0.65 ~0.95

Depending on the type of application, springs are made of carbon steels, silicon and
manganese containing steels, silicon-manganese steels, alloyed steels, stainless steels. Springs
must be capable of storing and releasing the energy. After repeated applications of load, they
must retain their original shape and dimensions. This property may be attained by the use of a
highly elastic material and by proper design because the allowable stress values determine the
choice of material and design.
Major requirements of spring steels are:
1. Should have a highly yield strength (of the order of 21000kg/mm2) or more accurately,
a high proportional limit, so that it will not show any appreciable permanent set
2. High fatigue strength under alternating and fluctuating stresses with a reserve for
occasional or more frequent overloads (e.g. Vehicle springs when stressed in their
resonance range)
3. Should have an adequate plastic range for the forming (winding) of the springs.

These desirable properties of springs can be achieved firstly by a higher carbon

content or with suitable alloying elements, and secondly by heat treatment. The actual

15
springiness of steel is determined by its modulus of elasticity which is about 21000kg/mm2, the
modulus 0f rigidity being about 8000kg/mm2. It is possible to influence the modulus of
elasticity and shear by severe cold working treatments. Spring failure is almost invariably from
fatigue, with some stress raisers are nucleus.
Spring steels are used in hard, high strength condition. To attain these properties springs
are hardened and tempered. In the hardened condition, the steel should have 100% martensite
to attain the maximum yield strength to avoid excessive set in service. The presence of retained
austenite in the hardened condition lowers the yield strength and produces excessive set.
Use of carbon steel for smaller sections in martensite as against sections in which
hardness will be less when carbon steel is used. However, harden ability of the steel may be
increased by the addition of alloying elements. To get high yield strength on tempering
martensite needs to be high in carbon. The combination of high carbon along with alloying
elements will posses the desired hardenability in different sections. Hence the desired
properties of spring can be achieved firstly by higher carbon content or by addition may occur
if the hardening temperature is too low.
For many applications, where the working stresses are low, carbon spring steels are
quite satisfactory for smaller cross- sections. But, for higher duty springs, steels of higher
harden ability are used. In addition to carbon steels, mainly alloy steels having principle
alloying elements such as manganese- silicon, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, etc., are
used for production of springs. Spring steels that are commercially available are carbon spring
steel, silico-manganese steel, manganese alloyed steel, silicon alloyed steel, chromevanadium
steel, etc.
Drawn spring steels used for highly duty valve spring in the automotive and aircraft
industries are coiled in the annealed condition, and finally hardened and oil-tempered, as this
treatment imparts to them improved fatigue strength.
Springs of small dimensions are also made from patented drawn spring wires coiled in
the cold state. They posses a very high tensile strength and elastic properties compare to the
normally drawn wire. They also posses good ductility and toughness. Springs made out of
patented wire do not require hardening. They are only subjected to tempering at 200 to 250OC.

3.2.4 Role of Carbon in Steel

Generally, carbon is the most important commercial steel alloy.
Increasing carbon content increases hardness and strength and improves hardenability. But
carbon also increases brittleness and reduces weldability because of its tendency to form

16
martensite. This means carbon content can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to
commercial steel. And while there are steels that have up to 2 percent carbon content, they are
the exception. Most steel contains less than 0.35 percent carbon. To put this in perspective,
keep in mind that‟s 35/100 of 1 percent. Now, any steel in the 0.35 to 1.86 percent carbon
content range can be hardened using a heat-quench-temper cycle
Carbon is the most important element in steel as slight variations in percentage cause
very marked changes in physical and mechanical properties. When a small amount of carbon
is added to iron, the properties which give steel its great value begin to appear. In plain carbon
steels manganese, phosphorus and sulfur are present in amounts which do not interfere in any
way with the effect that carbon variation has on the properties of the steel. Thus, steels may be
considered binary alloys of iron and carbon. In alloy steels, the effects of the alloying elements
must be considered.
The plain carbon steels represent the most important group of engineering materials
known. They represent by far the major percentage of steel production and the widest diversity
of application of any of the engineering materials. These applications are so diversified that
anything like a complete listing or even a classification on the basis of application is not
feasible.

3.3 Types of leaf springs

Figure 3(a) Types of leaf springs

1.1 Semi-elliptical Springs

Semi-elliptical springs are usually used in all the vehicle. Particularly in trucks, semi-elliptical springs
are fitted in front and rear axles.

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But in cars, they are fitted on the rear axle only and the independent suspension is fitted on the front
axle. Semi-elliptical springs are cheaper and require less repairing. They increase the range of spring
action and last for a long time.

1.2 Quarter-elliptical Spring

Quarter-elliptical springs were used in old small cars, like Chrysler cars. This type of spring consists
only a quarter portion of the full elliptical spring and fitted with the frame by the bolt.

1.3 Three quarter elliptical Spring

Three quarter elliptical spring is the combination of semi-elliptical and quarter elliptical springs. This
types of springs was used in old cars.

1.4 Transverse Spring

transverse spring in just like the semi-elliptical spring but inverted in shape. One end of the spring in
joined with chassis frame by shackle, and the other end with the axle. It is also fixed with frame by the
bolts at the centre.

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1.5 Full-elliptical Spring

Full elliptical springs are consists of two semi-elliptical springs joined together oppositely. This type of
spring was used in old cars. They do not maintain correct axle alignment.

3.4 Design of leaf spring

Leaf springs (also known as flat springs) are made out of flat plates. The
advantage of leaf spring over helical spring is that the ends of the spring may be guided along
a definite path as it deflects to act as a structural member in addition to energy absorbing device.
Thus the leaf springs may carry lateral loads, brake torque, driving torque etc., in addition to
shocks.
Consider a single plate fixed at one end and loaded at the other end as shown in Fig. 23.25.
This plate may be used as a flat spring.
Let t = Thickness of plate, b = Width
of plate, and
L = Length of plate or distancenof the load W from the cantilever
end.

Figure 3(b): Flat spring (cantilever type).

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We know that the maximum bending moment at the cantilever end A,

M = W.L and section modulus,

Bending stress in such a spring,

……… (I)
We know that the maximum deflection for a cantilever with concentrated load at the free end
is given by

………(II)

It may be noted that due to bending moment, top fibres will be in tension and
the bottom fibres are in compression, but the shear stress is zero at the extreme fibres and
maximum at the centre, as shown in Fig. Hence for analysis, both stresses need not to be taken
into account simultaneously. We shall consider the bending stress only.

Figure 3(c): Stress diagram

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 If the spring is not of cantilever type but it is like a simply supported beam, with
length 2L and load 2W in the centre, as shown in Fig., then Maximum bending moment in the
centre,as shown in fig, then
Maximum bending moment in the center,
M=W.L

Sectionmodulus,

Figure 3(d): Flat spring (simply supported beam type)

We know that maximum deflection of a simply supported beam loaded in

the centre is given by

(Since in this case, W1=2W,and L1=2L)

From above we see that a spring such as automobile spring
(semi-elliptical spring) with length 2L and loaded in the centre by a load 2W, may be treated
as a double cantilever.
If the plate of cantilever is cut into a series of n strips of width b and these are
placed as shown in Fig then equations (i) and (ii) may be written as

…… (III) and

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 ….. (IV)

Figure 3(e): Traingular plate

The above relations give the stress and deflection of a leaf spring
of uniform cross-sectionThe stress at such a spring is maximum at the support.
If a triangular plate is used as shown in Fig 3(e), the stress will be uniform throughout. If this
triangular plate is cut into strips of uniform width and placed one below the other, as shown in
Fig to form a graduated or laminated leaf spring, then

Figure 3(f): Laminated leaf spring

and ………..(V)

…………(VI)
Where n=number of graduated leaves.

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A little consideration will show that by the above arrangement, the spring becomes compact
so that the space occupied by the spring is considerably reduced.
When bending stress alone is considered, the graduated leaves may have zero width at the
loaded end. But sufficient metal must be provided to support the shear. Therefore, it becomes
necessary to have one or more leaves of uniform cross-section extending clear to the end. We
see from equations (iv) and (vi) that for the same deflection, the stress in the uniform cross-
section leaves (i.e. full length leaves) is 50% greater than in the graduated leaves, assuming
that each spring element deflects according to its own elastic curve. If the suffixes F and G are
used to indicate the full length (or uniform cross section) and graduated leaves, then

or

………..(VII)
Adding 1 to both sides we have

……….. (VIII) where

W= total load on the spring=WG+WF.
WG=load taken up by graduated leaves, and
WF= load taken up by full length leaves.
From equation (VIII), we may write

or

23
therefore bending stress for full length leaves,

since

,therefore

The deflection in full length and graduated leaves is given by equation (VI), i.e.

Construction of Leaf Spring

A leaf spring commonly used in automobiles is of semi-elliptical form as shown in Fig.

Figure 3(g): Construction of leaf spring

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 It is built up of a number of plates (known as leaves). The leaves are usually given an
initial curvature or cambered so that they will tend to straighten under the load. The leaves are
held together by means of a band shrunk around them at the centre or by a bolt passing through
the centre. Since the band exerts a stiffening and strengthening effect, therefore the effective
length of the spring for bending will be overall length of the spring minus width of band. In
case of a centre bolt, two-third distance between centres of U-bolt should be subtracted from
the overall length of the spring in order to find effective length. The spring is clamped to the
axle housing by means of U-bolts.
The longest leaf known as main leaf or master leaf has its ends formed in
the shape of an eye through which the bolts are passed to secure the spring to its supports.
Usually the eyes, through which the spring is attached to the hanger or shackle, are provided
with bushings of some antifriction material such as bronze or rubber. The other leaves of the
spring are known as graduated leaves. In order to prevent digging in the adjacent leaves, the
ends of the graduated leaves are trimmed in various forms as shown in Fig. 23.30. Since the
master leaf has to with stand vertical bending loads as well as loads due to sideways of the
vehicle and twisting, therefore due to the presence of stresses caused by these loads, it is usual
to provide two full length leaves and the rest graduated leaves as shown in Fig. . Rebound
clips are located at intermediate positions in the length of the spring, so that the graduated
leaves also share the stresses induced in the full length leaves when the spring rebounds.
Equalised Stress in Spring Leaves (Nipping)
We have already discussed that the stress in the full length leaves is 50% greater than the stress
in the graduated leaves. In order to utilise the material to the best advantage, all the leaves
should be equally stressed.
This condition may be obtained in the following two ways :
1. By making the full length leaves of smaller thickness than the graduated leaves. In this
way, the full length leaves will induce smaller bending stress due to small distance from
the neutral axis to the edge of the leaf.

25
 Figure 3(h): Nipping

2. By giving a greater radius of curvature to the full length leaves than graduated leaves,
as shown in Fig. 23.31, before the leaves are assembled to form a spring. By doing so,
a gap or clearance will be left between the leaves. This initial gap, as shown by C in
Fig. 23.31, is called nip. When the central bolt, holding the various leaves together, is
tightened, the full length leaf will bend back as shown dotted in Fig. and have an
initial stress in a direction opposite to that of the normal load. The graduated leaves will
have an initial stress in the same direction as that of the normal load. When the load is
gradually applied to the spring, the full length leaf is first relieved of this initial stress
and then stressed in opposite direction. Consequently, the full length leaf will be
stressed less than the graduated leaf. The initial gap between the leaves may be adjusted
so that under maximum load condition the stress in all the leaves is equal, or if desired,
the full length leaves may have the lower stress. This is desirable in automobile springs
in which full length leaves are designed for lower stress because the full length leaves
carry additional loads caused by the swaying of the car, twisting and in some cases due
to driving the car through the rear springs. Let us now find the value of initial gap or
nip C.
Consider that under maximum load conditions, the stress in all
the leaves is equal. Then at maximum load, the total deflection of the graduated leaves will
exceed the deflection of the full length leaves by an amount equal to the initial gap C. In other
words,

…………(I)
Since the stresses are equal,therefore

26
 And

Substituting the values of WG and WF in equation (I), we have

………….(II)
The load on the clip bolts (Wb) required to close the gap is determined by
the fact that the gap is equal to the initial deflections of full length and graduated leaves.

…………… (III)
The final stress in spring leaves will be the stress in the full length
leaves due to the applied load minus the initial stress. Final stress

27
 …….(substituting n =nF+nG ) ……… . (IV)
Notes :

1. The final stress in the leaves is also equal to the stress in graduated leaves due to the applied
load plusthe initial stress.

2. The deflection in the spring due to the applied load is same as without initial stress.

Design considerations of Main spring

The master leaf of a laminated spring is hinged to the supports. The support
forces induce, stresses due to longitudinal forces and stresses arising due to possible twist.
Hence, the master leaf is more stressed compared to other the graduated leaves. Methods to
reduce additional stresses could be,

1.) Master leaf is made of stronger material than the other leaves.
2.) Master leaf is made thinner than the other leaves. This will reduce the bending stress
as evident from stress equation.
3.) Another common practice is to increase the radius of curvature of the master leaf than
the next leaf.

3.5 Length of Leaf Spring Leaves

The length of the leaf spring leaves may be obtained as discussed below :

Let 2L1 = Length of span or overall length of the spring,

= Width of band or distance between centres of U-bolts. It is the

ineffective length of the spring, n F = Number of full length leaves,

nG = Number of graduated leaves, and n = Total number of leaves = nF +

nG.

28
We have already discussed that the effective length of the spring,

…….. ...(When band is used)

………..... (When U-bolts are used)

It may be noted that when there is only one full length leaf (i.e. master leaf only), then the
number of leaves to be cut will be n and when there are two full length leaves (including one
master leaf), then the number of leaves to be cut will be (n – 1). If a leaf spring has two full
length leaves, then the length of leaves is obtained as follows :

Similarly,

The nth leaf will be the master leaf and it is of full length. Since the master leaf has eyes on
both sides, therefore
Length of master leaf = 2 L1 + π (d + t) × 2
Where d = Inside diameter of eye, and
t = Thickness of master leaf.
The approximate relation between the radius of curvature (R) and the camber (y) of the spring
is given by

The exact relation is given by

y (2R + y) = (L1)2
where L1 = Half span of the spring.Note : The maximum deflection ( δ ) of the spring is equal
to camber (y) of the spring.

3.6 Standard Sizes of Automobile Suspension Springs

• Standard nominal widths are : 32, 40*, 45, 50*, 55, 60*, 65, 70*, 75, 80, 90, 100 and
125 mm. (Dimensions marked* are the preferred widths)
• Standard nominal thicknesses are : 3.2, 4.5, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16
mm.

29
 • At the eye, the following bore diameters are recommended : 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28,
30, 32, 35, 38, 50 and 55 mm.
• Dimensions for the centre bolts, if employed, shall be as given in the following table.
• Minimum clip sections and the corresponding sizes of rivets and bolts used with the
clips shall be as given in the following table (See Fig. 23.32).

3.7 Dimensions for centre bolts

3.8 Dimensions of clip, rivet and bolts.

Notes :
For springs of width below 65 mm, one rivet of 6, 8 or 10 mm may be used. For springs of
width above 65 mm, two rivets of 6 or 8 mm or one rivet of 10 mm may be used.
1. For further details, the following Indian Standards may be referred :
(a) IS : 9484 – 1980 (Reaffirmed 1990) on „Specification for centre bolts for leaf
springs‟.
(b) IS : 9574 – 1989 (Reaffirmed 1994) on „Leaf springs assembly-Clips-
Specification‟.

30
Figure 3(i): Spring clip

31
MANUFACTURING
OF
LEAF SPRING

32
4. Manufacturing of leaf spring

Raw material

Shearing or cutting process

Drilling

Eye rolling of main blade

Hardening

Tempering

Hardness testing

Fitting

Painting

labeling

inspection

stock ready for supply

33
4.1 Raw material
Generally leaf springs are made of various fine grade alloy steel. The most
commonly used grades of steel are 55 Si 7,60 Si Cr7,50 Cr V4. The others are En 45 A, 65 Si
7,55 Si Cr 7,65 Si cr7,En 42 60 s 87.
In our project we are going to use En 42 60 S87 grade of steel alloy. Generally
the width of the raw material varies from 40-100 mm and thickness varies from 4 to 20mm.

Figure 4(a) : Steel alloy

4.2 Shearing or cutting process
Shearing is a process for cutting sheet metal to size out of a larger stock such
as roll stock. The raw material is cut into different sizes with the help of the 100 ton cutting
press machine.
1) At first the raw material is placed on the roller bed so that it will be easy to move the
material towards the machine.
2) Required length of the material to be cut is measured with a tape and marking is done
on the raw material.
3) Now move the material in to the cutting area of the machine so that the mark is placed
exactly at the cutting edge of the blade.
4) Now lock the material with the help of the lock nut provided.
5) Allow the lubricant to flow for free action of cutting and for reducing friction.
34
 6) Now apply the load on the material by pressing the brake provided.
7) Now the required length of the material piece can be obtained.

Figure 4(b): 100 ton press cutting machine

4.3 Drilling operation

Necessary holes are provided on the strips of leaf springs to hold all the plates
together. So drilling operation is performed. Generally vertical drilling machine is used for this
operation.

1.) The given material piece is placed on the table of the drilling machine.
2.) The diameter of the required hole is choosen and the required drill bit is connected to the
spindle.

35
 3.) The workpiece is placed in the required position for drilling and the coolent oil is sprayed
over the work piece.
4.) Now by applying the hand lever the required hole diameter is drilled. Required number
of holes are drilled.

Figure 4(c): Vertical drilling machine

4.4 Eye rolling of main blade

The master blade is heated at its two ends for eye formation, these are
done to attach with the frame of the vehicle. The heating is done in a end heating furnace at a
temperature of 1000 degree centigrade. The heating is done only at the ends so that it will be
easy to bend at the ends.

36
Furnace oil and the air are used for heating the furnace. The furnace is first allowed to heat
freely for 45 mins. Now the master blades are placed in the furnace such that only ends are
heated.

After heating is done for one end it is bend to form the eye and again it
is placed in the furnace to heat the other end. After heating the main blade is bent slightly to
form curve at the end with the help of 50 ton punching machine so that it will be easy to roll to
form eye formation.

In the eye rolling machine the master blade end is placed between the circular wheel and the
die. after placing the hand lever is moved so that the end of the master blade rolls over the die
thus forming eye shape.

Figure 4(d): Eye rolling of main spring

4.5 Hardening (Quenching)

Hardening is carried out to achieve the maximum hardness.

37
 The main blades after the eye formation are heated to a temperature of 800-1000
degree centigrade in a furnace to increase the hardness of the material.

The other blades along with main blades are heated in the furnace. The furnace is heated by
using air and furnace oil through conventional air flow system. The conventional air flow
system is used to mix both air and furnace oil for heating purpose. A pump is provided for the
air to go out.

After heating the blades in the furnace for 45 minutes they are taken out and bent to
the required angle on the hydraulic bending machine. The required angle can be obtained by
using required angle dies.

The blades after making the required angle they are immersed in the Quenchngon oil to
increase the hardness. The hardness at the end of this stage is about 50 to 60.

Figure 4(e): Hardening

38
 Figure 4(f): Hydraulic bending machine

Following are the factors of affecting the hardening process.

 Chemical composition of steel.

 Size and shape of steel part.

 Hardening cycle, i.e. heating rate, hardening temperature, holding time and
cooling rate.

 Homogeneity and grain size of austenite.

 Quenching media.

 Surface condition of steel part.

4.6 Tempering

Quenched steel, while very hard and strong, is too brittle to be useful for most applications. A
method for alleviating this problem is called tempering. For most steels, tempering involves
heating to between 250 and 500 °C, holding that temperature (soaking) for an appropriate
amount of time (on the order of seconds or hours), then cooling slowly over an appropriate
length of time (minutes or hours). This heat treatment results in higher toughness and ductility,

39
without sacrificing all of the hardness and tensile strength gained from rapid quenching.
Tempering balances the amount of hard martensite with ductile ferrite and pearlite.
In some applications, different areas of a single object are given different heat treatments.
This is called differential hardening. It is common in high quality knives and swords.

Figure 4(g): Tempering process

Figure 4(h): Tempering furnace

Purpose of tempering

40
  Improve ductility
 Improve toughness
 Reduce hardness
 Increase% elongation
 Relieve residual; stresses
After the hardening process the blades are dried and again heated in the furnace for tempering
process. In the tempering process the blades are heated to nearly 6oo degree centigrade for
nearly 80 minutes to decrease the hardness up to 30 to 40. Here also air along with furnace oil
is used for heating process.

After tempering is done the blades are removed from the furnace and they are dried in air.

4.7 Hardness testing

Hardness is usually defined as resistance of a material to penetration. It also refers to

stiffness or resistance to scratching, abrasion or cutting.
In the most general accepted tests, an indenter is pressed into the surface of the
material by a slowly applied known load, and the extent of the resulting impression is measured
mechanically or optically. A large impression for a given load and indenter indicates a soft
material, and the opposite is true for a small impression.

Following are the testing methods used to determine hardness.

The scratch hardness test (one material scratches another or not)

 The Brinnell hardness tester (ball indenter)

 The Rockwell hardness tester (diamond cone or steel ball indenter)
 The Vicker hardness tester ( diamond pyramid indenter)
 The shore Scleroscope ( the height of bounce of diamond tipped hammer)

We generally use Rockwell hardness tester for testing the hardness of the steel.

Rockwell Hardness Test

41
 This test determines the hardness of metals by measuring the depth of impression, which
can be made by a hard test point under a known load. The penetrator may be either a steel ball
or diamond sphero-conical. Soft metals will be indicated by low hardness numbers. Hard metals
will be indicated by high hardness numbers. Harder metals permit less of an impression to be
made, resulting in higher hardness numbers.
s.no Indenter load dial application

A diamond 60 black Carbides,thin

steel,shallow case
hardenedsteel,case
carburized surfaces.

B diamond 150 black Hard cast

iron,pearlitic
malleable iron,
steel,deep
casehardened
steel,titanium.

C diamond 150 Blackpearlitic Pearlitic malleable

malleable iron,
iron,thin steel and
medium case
hardened
steel,titanium

42
 Figure 4(i): Rockwell hardness tester

4.8 Fitting

In this section the leaf springs along with the main spring are fitted together with the
help of clamps,bolts,nuts and rivets.

4.8.1 Clamps

Clamps are the devices which are used for holding the leaf springs together. Clamps are made
of Mild Steel.

Procedure for making clamps

At first the material is cut into the required length on the 50 ton cutting machine by
using blades. Next the cutted material is punched on the 5o ton punching machine to obtain
required circular shape at the edge by using suitable die.

Now after measuring the correct size the other end is also punched on 50 ton
punching machine to obtain circular shape by using the same die. This circular shape at the
ends is provided for clamps of width greater than 20 mm.

43
After making the reqired size the clamp materials are heated in the end heating furnace at 1000
degree centigrade by using furnace oil and air. The clamps are heated for 15 minutes in the
furnace.

After heating they are taken out and placed on the 50 ton punching machine to make the clamp
of „U‟ shape by using clamp dies. Different dies are used for making clamps of different
widths.

Generally 4 clamps are used for 12 plates and 2 clamps are used for 7 leaf plates.the clamps
are arranged at equal distance from the centre.

Figure 4(j): Clamps of different sizes

44
 Figure 4(k): circular cutting die of clamp

4.8.2 Bolts and nuts

Bolts and nuts of different sizes are used in the holes provided on the leaf springs to
hold them tightly.

Figure 4(l): Bolts and rivets

45
4.8.3 Rivets

Rivets are used for holding the clamps and leaf springs together.

4.8.4 MS pipe

Ms pipes are provided for the bolts that are attached to the clamps to reduce the wear
of the bolts.

4.8.5 Bushes

Bushes made of MS with gold coating are inserted in to the eye rolling end of the main
spring in order to the wear.

Figure 4(m): Bush

4.9 Painting

After fitting operation the leaf springs are allowed for painting operation.

Figure 4(n): Painting

46
Two types of paints are generally used for leaf springs

(1) Black
(2) Green.

Black paint is generally used for high quality leaf springs and Green is used for low quality
leaf springs.

The leaf springs are placed on the painting table and now the required paint is sprayed over it
with the help of Spray gun.

4.10 Inspection

Inspection is carried out by authorities regularly to check the quality, performance of

the leaf springs. The leaf springs with bad quality or with low performance are rejected and
once again allowed for manufacturing.

4.11 Stock ready to supply

After inspection the leaf springs with good quality and performance are allowed to
stock storage. Now the stock is are ready to supply.

Figure 4(p): Stock ready to supply

47
 FAILURE
ANALYSIS
OF
LEAF SPRING

48
 5. Failure analysis of leafspring

5.1 Failure analysis

Spring failures may be categorized into three types :

Early Life Failures

• These type of failures occur generally due to a spring defect, installation problem or
overload. This may be due to the material used, the manufacturing processes or improper
installation techniques. This type of failure may also be caused by a short-term
overloadcondition.

Midlife Failures

• Once the spring has passed the time in service which would expose early life failures,
a very low failure rate should be observed, assuming the spring is subjected to normal service.

Late Life Failures

• At this point, the frequency of spring failures will tend to increase rapidly as the useful
life of the spring has been reached. By this time the spring steel has been fatigued and corroded
to a point where its useful life is over.

Failures occurring in early and midlife of the spring are usually most economically handled by
repairing the broken leaf rather than replacing the spring. Failures in older springs occur at a
point when all leaves have reached their fatigue life the spring should now be replaced. The
difficulty, of course, is determining what type of failure the spring has experienced. Basically,
the condition of the spring, as well as its service history, will indicate if the spring should be
repaired or replaced.

5.2 Quench cracks:

Quench cracks, which are aligned normal to the length of the leaf, have been identified in shot
peened and polished surfaces. These cracks have been attributed to an improper quenching
process. It is established by theoretical analysis that the leaf thickness is smaller than the critical
plate thickness required for this composition of steel, and that leads to an increase in quench
severity. It appears that some of these quench cracks have propagated by a fatigue mode which
is confirmed by the presence of beach marks on the fractures surface. Observation of

49
intergranular cracking and the presence of FeS inclusions at the prior austenite rain boundaries
implies that some sort of grain boundary embrittlement might have facilitated crack growth and
led to failure. It has been suggested that quenching should be carried out by recommended
procedures guided by the thickness of the component and chemical composition of the steel.
Careful inspection of the surface after quenching must also be carried out to maintain quality
assurance in order to avoid premature failure.

The failure analysis of a leaf spring which failed prematurely during

service was carried out using

1.) Optical and scanning electron microscopy

2.) hardness and tensile testing,
3.) residual stress evaluation by X-ray diffraction.

5.3 Optical Metallurgical Microscope

Microstructures were visualized and photographed by using optical metallurgical

microscope shown in fig6. Metallurgical microscope is a value able apparatus for metallurgist
which is used to investigate the microstructure of metal or alloys usually at magnification
ranging from 40X to 600X. Since a metallographic sample is opaque to light, the sample is
illuminated by reflected light. A properly polished and etched specimen is placed under the
objective lens and when a particular combination of objective lens and eye piece is used at the
proper tube length, the total magnification is equal to the product of the objective and the
eyepiece.

50
Figure 5(a): Metallurgical Microscope

5.4 Scanning Electron Microscope

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a type of electron

microscope that creates various images by focusing a high energy beam of electrons onto the
surface of a sample and detecting signals from the interaction of the incident electrons with the
sample's surface. The type of signals gathered in a SEM varies and can include secondary
electrons, characteristic x-rays, and back scattered electrons. The sample for SEM do not
require any special preparation, except for cutting to appropriate size that can fit into the
specimen chamber. Non-conductive solid specimen are coated with a layer of conducting
material. A very thin coating of electrically conducting material is deposited over the specimen
by vacuum evaporation. Such coatings include gold, platinium, tungsten, graphite etc. As these
elements are quite expensive therefore, while preparing the sample for SEM, we inserted a thin
copper wire inside the sample during mounting, thus making an electrical contact between the
metal piece and base of specimen holder.

51
 Figure 5(b): Scanning Electron Microscope

Microstructure of Failure & Received Material

As we know that the microstructures have a significant influence on the
mechanical and physical properties of the materials. Therefore, we examined the
microstructures of samples in different conditions, viz. As rolled, hardened tempered shot
penned. The changes in microstructure with respect to the treatment given to the material are
very clear in the figures given below. For the best fatigue resistance, tempered martensite
structure is obtained, because it is an ideal structure with low mean free path available that is
extremely small, uniformly dispersed cementite in uniform ferrite (similar to spheroid, but
much smaller).

Figure 5(c): Failure Material Leaf Spring and Received Material Leaf Spring

52
5.5 Tensile Test of Leaf Spring
Tensile test is most frequently performed to determine the certain mechanical
properties. Tensile strength can give an idea of fatigue strength, as fatigue strength is almost
half of tensile strength in most cases.
The standard tensile strength of in tempered condition according to JIS G 4801 is
125 kgf/mm2 (126N/ mm2) minimum.
We performed the tensile test of material in two conditions, i.e.: as rolled, and tempered.

The results obtained are tabulated below:

S.No Condition Tensile Strength

1 Failure Material 156 kg/mm2
2 Received Material 126.75 kg/mm2

This test can be performed on following type of Machine

Figure 5(d): Universal Tensile Testing Machine

53
5.6 Fatigue Test of Leaf Spring
The fatigue testing machine in Landhi Engineering Works is imported from
Japan and is specially designed for the fatigue test of the Leaf Spring. The picture of this
machine has been shown below:

Figure Leaf Spring Sup-9 during Fatigue Test LEW Karachi

The Leaf spring shown in above diagram is the rare leaf spring of IMV;
an upcoming model by Toyota Motors. This vehicle would be type of a heavy load carriage.

The fatigue testing machine at the Landhi engineering works was installed by the Toyota
motors for the tasting of the leaf spring to be used in IMV; their new product. Machine was set
at the speed of 60 cycles per minute.
The test was conducted by applying load of 1545Kg and it took 153761 numbers of cycles to
break the Leaf on which the test was carried out.

Standard Mechanical Test results of Leaf Spring Give by People Steel Mills (PSM) Karachi

Yield Strength Tensile Strength Elongation Hardness

N/mm2 N/mm2 % HB

1079 1226 9% 363-429

Test Results of Prepared Specimen

But we have received following results during the experimental work

Yield Strength Tensile Strength Elongation Hardness

N/mm2 N/mm2 % HB

1181 1305 12 % 388

54
 Figure 5(e): fatigue test
Springs are a limited life component.
Regardless of how well a spring is maintained or how favorable the operating conditions are,
all springs will eventually fail from fatigue caused by the repeated flexing of the spring. Once
the spring life limit is reached a fatigue failure will or has occurred.

Factors influencing fatigue life :

Overloading
• The higher the loads or deflections seen by a spring, the lower its fatigue life.
Shock Absorbers
• A properly functioning shock absorber will tend to reduce the spring deflection as the vehicle
hits a bump. Lower spring deflections mean lower operating stresses on the spring which in
turn gives longer fatigue life. This is especially true for full taper springs which do not have
the high interleaf friction to help dampen spring deflections. Worn or missing shock absorbers
must be replaced to maximize spring life.
Brake Adjustments
• Improperly adjusted brakes can also reduce spring life. Under braking, springs are expected
to absorb some of the braking forces. If the brakes on an axle are unevenly adjusted one spring
will have to absorb more than its share of braking force which can reduce its fatigue life.
Protective Coatings
• Corrosion is one of the major factors in reducing spring life. Proper paints and care during
handling and installation can help to slow the spread of spring corrosion. On full taper springs

55
 the only acceptable coating is the individual painting of each leaf with zinc-rich paint. This
paint may be recognized by its characteristic gray color.
Surface Condition
• The condition of the spring surface also has an effect on fatigue life. Generally, a fatigue crack
will start at some sort of surface defect on the spring leaf. Therefore, care needs to be used
when manufacturing and installing springs to reduce these defects to a minimum.
Shot Peening
• Extensive testing indicates that shot peening can increase the life of springs by a factor of
three or more. It is not enough, however, to simply shot peen the first one or two leaves in an
assembly-all leaves must be shot peened. All major vehicle manufacturers specify that their
OEM springs have each leaf shot peened.
Decarburization and Steel Quality
• Improper manufacturing methods can also reduce fatigue life. For example, poorly controlled
heat-treat furnaces can excessively decarburize the leaf surface.
Decarburization is the loss of carbon from the steel surface which will result in a soft leaf
surface once heat-treating is complete. This soft layer will not be able to handle the spring
stresses and will lead to early failure. Poor steel quality can also influence spring life. If the
steel has excessive impurities in it, the fatigue life will be reduced.
Maintenance
• Finally, improper maintenance will affect spring life.
• Spring eyes and other suspension components should be regularly greased to prevent binding.
• U-bolts should never be reused.
• Axle seats, top plates and other components should be periodically inspected and replaced as
required.

5.7 Increasing the fatigue strength of leaf spring:

In order to increase the fatigue strength of leaf spring you have to do the following:

Carefully polish the surfaces of the springs to remove any surface defects or machining
marks that will be the location for crack initiation.
Shot- Peen the steel. Bombard the surfaces of the spring with steel shot, which cold
works the steel, which hardens the surface and puts it into a state of compression, which
impedes crack propagation.

56
 Temper the steel. When initially forming the piece, cool the outer surface quickly to put
the surface into a state of compression, which will also impede crack propagation. (Theres
another definition for Tempering steel, which is heating it to stabilize and de-stress the crystal
structure.)
Quench the steel, when forming the piece the faster you cool it down, the more steel
gets locked into a Martensite phase, which has better fatigue properties. However, if you quench
it too quickly, you develop thermal stresses and cracks, which will obviously weaken the steel.
(Another method for increasing the Martensite percentage is to heat treat the steel before
tempering it.)
Case is thus expended more than the core because,

(Austenite Martensite) volume increase by 4% and (Austenite

Ferrite + pearlite) volume increase by 3%,
This is lesser than that.
During fabrication, prevent air pockets or contaminates (non-metallic inclusion) from
getting into the steel. These contaminates will provide starting points for cracks to form.

Increase the carbon content from 0.5% to about 0.95%. This will harden your steel and
improve the fatigue properties.

Finally, you could just decrease the applied load on your leaf spring steel has the nifty
property of a “Fatigue Limit”, which means that if your loads are less than a certain value, then
you can cycle the part as many times as you want without ever seeing fatigue fractures.
Most non-ferrous alloys such as aluminum or copper will not have a fatigue limit.

Fatigue cracks that have begun to propagate can sometimes be stopped by drilling holes,
called drill stops, in the path of fatigue crack. However, it is not recommended because a hole
represents a stress concentration factor of about 2. There is thus the possibility of a new crack

57
starting in the side of the hole. It is always for better to replace the cracked part entirely. Several
disasters have been caused by botched repairs to cracked structures.

In the end we are able to conclude that fatigue life of leaf spring can be increased if:

 The vehicle is loaded not greater than load for which it has been manufactured.
 Proper cleanliness of leaf spring is done and also it should be avoided from water and
mud etc. as much as possible to minimize the corrosion of leaf springs.
 The government takes appreciable steps to improve the smoothness of the road network
in the country.
 Shot-peening must be done to create residual compressive stresses as fatigue failure
always occurs in the tensile stresses.

5.8 When To Repair

• If the spring has not been repaired or repaired only once. Stamping a 1 in the clip for the first
repair and a 2 for a second repair will help identify the number of previous repairs.

• If the spring mileage is less than half of normal life.

• If the repair cost is less than 1/2 the cost of a new spring.

• If no more than two or three leaves are broken.

• If the failure is not of a fatigue type. For example, a leaf broken through the center hole is
caused by improper spring clamping brought on by loose U-bolts or worn axle seats, not
fatigue. This spring should be repaired, if possible, and the cause of failure corrected. Even
when it appears to make sense to repair, the following should be kept in mind :

1. Repair leaves are usually not shot peened and must often be heavily hand-fit to match the
old spring. Therefore, the repair leaf will not be as durable as a leaf in a new spring would
be.

2. Since the remaining leaves have lost some of their strength, the replaced leaves will be
carrying more of the load than they were originally designed for.

58
3. When the leaves first broke the remaining leaves in the spring had to carry more load and
were probably overstressed.

4. Replacing the broken leaves does nothing to restore the fatigue life of the reused leaves.
These leaves will continue to fail since their fatigue life is essentially over.

5.9 When To Replace

• The spring has already been repaired once or, at most, twice.

• The spring service mileage has exceeded 1/2 its normal life.

• The repair cost exceeds 1/2 the cost of a new spring.

• More than two or three leaves are broken.

• If small fatigue cracks can be seen running across the leaf width near the U-bolts on the
unbroken leaves.

• If the leaf tips have separated away from the leaf above.

• Never attempt to repair a full taper spring.

59
 CONCLUSION:

This project work has provided us an excellent opportunity and experience to use our
limited knowledge. We gained a lot of practical knowledge regarding the “DESIGN,
MANUFACTURING AND FAILURE ANALYSIS OF LEAF SPRING”.

In “TRAILOR SPRINGS” our intensions were to observe the process deeply and to
point out any deficiency that is taking place in the process. We have found that the process and
steps are followed by them with many safety measurements and they manufacture leaf springs
with all necessary, viz. Heating, Quenching, Tempering and Shot peening. Since the
manufacturing process is difficult skilled workers are generally employed.

Finally we conclude that we clearly observed the design,manufacturing and failures of leaf
spring and completed our mini project successfully.

working staff of TRAILOR SPRINGS

BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES/WEBSITES

60
Books:

1. “A Textbook of Machine Design” by R.S.KHURMI_AND_J.K.GUPTA.

2. William D Callister. “Fundamentals of Material Science and Engineering”. Fifth
Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc 1985

3. Mikell P. Groover, “Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing” Second Edition. John

Wiley & Sons.Inc.

4. Metals Handbook. Volume 1 Microsturcture

5. Heat Treatment Principle and Technique by T.V Rajan, C.P Sharma, Ashok Sharma 6.
Steel and Its Heat Treatmentby K.E Theling

Websites:

1. http://www.wikipedia.org
2. http://www.howstuffworks.com
3. http://www.tpub.com
4. http://www.google.com
5. http://www.answer.com
6. http://www. freepatentsonline.com
7. http://www. procarcare.com

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