Ending Shape of Leaf Spring Layers

[mjmghdm]

I have a question about the leaf spring.
In some leaf springs, there are two thinner areas at front and rear end of each layer (5-10cm lenght approximately).
This reduction of thickness is made by a rolling process, then the lateral edges (which get wider after rolling) cut and make a trapazoidal ending shape.

1-What will happen if you use a leaf spring built without these processes (rolling and cutting), aside from a little change in stiffness coefficient?
2-Why some leaf springs are produced in this shape and why some not?
3-Which vehicles don't need these processes?

 

[GregLocock]

The taper is used to improve the load transfer from the leaf to the leaf above it. It prevents a step change in the shear loading of the supporting leaf.

1 it will have a lower fatigue life, and may be more liable to clash, it will have more friction and will be heavier.

2) cost vs performance

3) cheap ones for customers with low expectations, or where the manufacturer has the time to optimise the performance of the square cut leaf to better match the tapered leaf, by changing the side view curvature.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.