Finite element analysis of motorcycle suspension system stability using different materials

Abstract

Due to the unsuitability of conventional materials in Motorcycle Suspension Systems (McSS) for high-stress loads, their poor vibration dampening, uneven distribution of kinetic energy through the spring, and higher cost, there is a need to explore alternative materials for suspension systems. This study focuses on assessing the structural stability of the McSS using different materials. For this purpose, a three-dimensional standard helical spring suspension model is considered, incorporating four different coil spring materials: high carbon steel, titanium, beryllium copper, and nickel-cobalt-chromium alloy. The spring coil suspension body is assumed to have homogeneous and linear material properties. Boundary conditions such as single-person and two-person loads are applied to the suspension. Following this, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is employed for all material cases to evaluate directional deformation in the y-axis and equivalent stress, and a comparison is made to analyze structural stability. The results indicate that the nickel-cobalt-chromium alloy coil spring exhibits superior performance in terms of deformation and equivalent stress compared to titanium and beryllium copper alloy. Under both load conditions, the maximum deformation of the nickel-cobalt-chromium alloy is 106% and 57% less than titanium and beryllium copper alloy, respectively. However, the deformation and von Mises stress of the nickel-cobalt-chromium alloy are nearly similar to that of steel. Therefore, nickel-cobalt-chromium alloy can serve as an alternative to titanium and beryllium copper alloy when suspension weight is not a concern. However, high carbon steel is the better choice among the four materials due to its comparatively lower weight, optimal deformation, and higher von Mises stress.