ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF CONCRETE AND CLAY SPEED BUMPS ON HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK LEAF SPRINGS
ENOCK ANDREWS DUODU(1) , ISAAC LEGSON MBEAH(1)
1. Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, AAMUSTED, Ghana; eaduodu@aamusted.edu.gh
2. Department of Agricultural, Technical and Vocational Education Training Komenda College of Education, Ghana; isaaclegsonmbeah@gmail.com
* Correspondence: eaduodu@aamusted.edu.gh; +233 54 7779929
Abstract
This study examines the structural behavior, fatigue lifespan, and damping characteristics of heavy-duty truck leaf springs subjected to concrete and clay speed ramps under various induced loading scenarios. The findings showed that extended leaf springs positioned at the top experience diminished stress levels compared to their shorter counterparts located at the bottom. This research suggests that elongated leaf springs endure substantial bending stress and deformation attributable to the elevation of the speed ramp and the imposed loading capacity, which in turn impacts the fatigue lifespan of the leaf springs under induced loading conditions.