Material Development
We have been using FEA (Finite Element Analysis) within the group for over ten years now. It has shown to be very effective for prediction of stiffness characteristics and evaluation of stress distribution.
It is our policy to discuss the development of modelling techniques and material properties wherever possible. To achieve this we regularly present technical papers at specialist conferences.
Details below show some of topics we have given presentations on.
- “Fatigue life prediction and verification of rubber to metal bonded springs”, the 3rd European Conference for Constitutive models for Rubber, London, September 2003
- “Ultimate loading evaluation of rubber springs using ABAQUS”, 17thABAQUS UK user conference, November 2003
- “Fatigue failure analysis of anti-vibration rubber spring”, 18thABAQUS UK user conference, November 2004
- “Real time simulation and testing on heat generation of rubber spring under dynamic loading”, the 4 th European Conference for Constitutive models for Rubber, Stockholm, June 2005
- “Investigation on heat generation of a rubber spring under dynamic loading”, 19thABAQUS UK user conference, November 2005
- “Finite element analysis and test of chevron rubber springs”, 20thABAQUS UK user conference, November 2006
Natural rubber, traditionally used on rubber suspension components is inherently flammable and produces high levels of noxious smoke. We have, over the last 3 years, made massive inroads into establishing a method of increasing the period during which a product only emits low smoke levels and low toxic emissions when exposed to a naked flame. This has been achieved without affecting the suspension performance qualities or producing halogens. Development is focused on coating technology to produce a flame resistant shield that will slow the process of fire sufficiently without affecting the product performance. Vehicle service trials are due to commence at the end of this year.