Application of Composite Materials to Truck Components: Leaf Springs and Propeller Shafts for 5-Ton Trucks

Abstract

The objective of the program was to develop lightweight experimental truck components, fabricated from synthetic materials. In particular, leaf springs and propeller shafts for the 5-ton Army truck are designed using resin matrix composite materials. Both design studies and prototype fabrication and testing are included in the program. For the leaf springs (both front and rear) a hybrid using steel leaves in combination with fiberglass-epoxy leaves produced the most cost-effective solution. The propeller shaft design employed graphite- epoxy tubes with adhesively-bonded steel end sleeves. The results of the design- material trade studies are included in the report. The fabrication processes employed in making prototype parts also are included as well as the test results obtained for the prototype parts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA112770

Entities

People

  • R. L. Daugherty

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Composite Material Fabrication
  • Composite Materials
  • Construction
  • Cost Estimates
  • Design Criteria
  • Fabrication
  • Manufacturing
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Plastic Explosives

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Tribology (the study of the boundary interaction between sliding surfaces, lubrication, wear and friction).
  • ballistics.