Análise comparativa das propriedades mecânicas e estruturais de diferentes molas automotivas sob mesma condição de operação

Abstract

The lack of concrete and reliable information poses a significant challenge for engineers, spring manufacturers, and vehicle owners, affecting automotive safety and performance. The problem lies in the absence of a clear understanding of the mechanical and structural properties of shortened or lowered springs. The practice of lowering vehicles through modifications to the springs raises concerns about safety and performance. This study aims to fill this gap by providing data that can support more informed decisions regarding automotive spring modifications. The methodology adopted included compression tests and deformation tests, as well as comparative analyses of springs under the same operating conditions. The results showed significant variations in mechanical properties and structural performance. The obtained elastic constants were 29706 N/m for the cut spring, 20611 N/m for the shortened spring, and 11078 N/m for the sport spring. The cut spring exhibited greater stiffness, resulting in a lower risk of reaching the maximum allowable deflection, even under heavy loads. On the other hand, the sport spring demonstrated an 96% compromise of the maximum allowable deflection merely with the weight of the vehicle itself, suggesting a high risk of bottoming out and compromising its integrity in the long term. The analyses of vertical dynamics highlighted how the springs respond to different loads, influencing vehicle comfort and stability. Therefore, this research has the potential to positively impact road safety and vehicle efficiency, providing a clearer understanding of the implications of spring modifications.