Abstract
This paper presents an analytical modeling technique fer representing a hysteretic behavior of a multi-leaf spring used for a large truck. It divides a nonlinear hysteretic curve of the multi-leaf spring into four parts; loading part, unloading part and two transition parts. It provides conditions fur branching to a part of the curve corresponding to a current multi-leaf spring status. This paper also presents a computational modeling technique of the multi-leaf spring. It models the multi-leaf spring with three links and a shackle. It assumes those components as rigid bodies. The links are connected by rotational joints, and have rotational springs at the joints. The spring constants of the rotational springs are computed with a force from the analytical model of the hysteretic curve of the multi-leaf spring. Static and dynamic tests are performed to verify the reliability of the presented techniques. The tests are performed with various amplitudes and excitation frequencies. The hysteretic curves from the tests are compared with those from the simulations. Since th e presented techniques reproduce the hysteretic characteristic of the multi -leaf spring faithfully, they contribute on improving the reliability of the computational model of a large truck.
