NEW LEAF OF LIFE

This article shows how glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) materials are reviving interest in leaf springs, but points out some of the obstacles to their wider acceptance. At the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was evident that GRP springs will continue to be used as a method of reducing weight. On a 17-tonne four-wheel lorry, up to 250 kg weight can be saved by using them instead of alternative springs. Mercedes-Benz is fitting a pilot batch of 1500 2.8-tonne vans with GRP springs during late 1989 and early 1990. Research and development by GKN Technology on GRP springs is now self-funding, but it faces the challenge of entering the heavier truck market, where durability must be demonstrated to establish confidence. GKN has also introduced a hybrid spring, with one steel leaf and one GRP leaf, for those truck manufacturers who are reluctant to switch totally from steel to GRP springs. Hybrid leaf springs are lighter than all-steel springs and less expensive than all-GRP springs, but they cost more than two-leaf steel parabolic springs. However, composite spring prices have fallen in real terms, and GKN has produced many prototype springs for fitting transversely on cars.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00103063
• Corporate Authors:

  Reed Business Publishing Limited

  Transport Division, Quadrant House, The Quadrant
  Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS,   England 
• Authors:
  • BUNTING, A
• Publication Date: 1989-10-19

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 47-48
• Serial:
  • COMMERCIAL MOTOR
  • Volume: 170
  • Issue Number: 4341
  • Publisher: Reed Business Information, Limited
  • ISSN: 0010-3063

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Axle load force; Design; Glass; Material reinforcement; Plastics; Reinforcing materials; Suspension systems; Trucks
• Uncontrolled Terms: Decreases
• ITRD Terms: 3067: Axle load; 1243: Car; 9009: Decrease; 9011: Design (overall design); 4547: Glass; 1236: Lorry; 7454: Plastic material; 3471: Reinforcement (in mater); 1329: Suspension (veh)
• Subject Areas: Design; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00606497
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 31 1991 12:00AM