Structural Optimization of a Leaf Spring Suspension System with Hangers and U-Bolts for Stability and Vibration Reduction in Six-Wheel Trucks

Parin Jakkum; Nattadon Pannucharoenwong; Phanuwat Wongsangnoi

doi:10.48084/etasr.17084

Authors

Parin Jakkum Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Nattadon Pannucharoenwong Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Phanuwat Wongsangnoi Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Muang Sakon Nakon, Thailand

Volume: 16 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 36127-36132 | June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.17084

Received: 21 December 2025 | Revised: 30 January 2026 and 10 February 2026 | Accepted: 27 February 2026 | Online: 6 June 2026

Corresponding author: Nattadon Pannucharoenwong

Abstract

Leaf spring suspension systems are widely used in medium and heavy-duty trucks due to their high load-carrying capacity and durability. However, limited vibration and impact reduction can adversely affect driving comfort and the safety of transported goods. This study focuses on the design and analysis of reinforced leaf spring structures using 51CrV4 spring steel to improve vibration performance. The COMSOL Multiphysics software was employed to analyze the suspension system through eigenfrequency, frequency response, and time-dependent analyses, with material behavior modeled using Hollomon’s law. The leaf spring model had dimensions of 1400×70×180 mm, 10 mm thickness, and consisted of four leaves. Reinforcement steel plates with thicknesses of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mm were investigated under a vertical load of 60 kN. Regarding the 10 mm reinforcement case, the material stiffness coefficient was 1,600 N/m³ and the strain hardening exponent was 0.083. The results indicate that the resonance frequency was reduced by approximately 57%, shifting from 150 Hz to 65 Hz. Although the frequency response amplitude increased by 532%, the dominant resonance frequency shifted to a lower range, resulting in a more controllable vibration response. The peak time-domain displacement increased five times, and the overshoot reached 9 mm. Among all cases, the 10 mm reinforced leaf spring showed the most effective vibration reduction performance. In comparison with studies focusing on composite leaf springs or static performance, this work emphasizes the combined frequency-domain and time-domain vibration behavior of reinforced steel leaf springs.

Keywords:

leaf spring suspension, six-wheel truck, natural frequency, frequency response, time-dependent analysis

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