Technical Paper
Composite Springs for: Suspension Vehicles, Spacecraft Stage Separation, and Satellite Ejection on Orbit
2018-04-03
2018-01-0150
SARDOU SAS has developed highly stressed composites parts for 36 years. SARDOU SAS and QUALITY INDUSTRIAL PRODUCT jointly invented and patented composite “C” springs in 1993. We have designed and tested “C” springs, giving an energy density of 1350 Joules per kilogram (compared to 300 Joules for steel springs). This energy density means a potential 78% weight savings! But in the last century, weight savings was not a must and platform managers were reluctant to use anything else than coil springs. So in 2002, in order to comply with their wishes, we have invented and developed composite coils springs. Composite coils springs are the best choice for McPherson suspensions. We have identified that the weak point, in composite coils springs, is its epoxy matrix. During heavy loading, the matrix undergoes micro cracking. Then, during repeated loadings, micro cracks propagate and merge, transforming the matrix into a fine powder.