The College of Engineering / Department of Mechanical Engineering held a master’s thesis defense entitled:
“Enhancement of Composite Material Leaf Spring Strength and Free Vibration Characteristics Based on Their Geometry”
The thesis was presented by Ibtihal Abdul-Hussein Bani under the supervision of Dr. Afnan Ahmed Abdul-Kareem. The defense was held on September 6, 2026, at the Prof. Dr. Ihsan Yahya Hussein Hall in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The study aimed to enhance the performance of composite leaf springs by investigating the effects of the geometric characteristics of the spring base and the curvature profile on its structural and dynamic performance. The research focused on improving stress distribution, reducing deformation, and enhancing the spring’s free vibration characteristics.
The study investigated several proposed geometrical configurations, including traditional trapezoidal and circular bases, incorporating circular and parabolic curvature profiles. These configurations were examined with the aim of developing more efficient designs from both structural and dynamic perspectives.
The research also examined the effect of the number of leaves and variable-width geometry on the performance of composite leaf springs. In addition, the performance of composite spring models was compared with that of steel leaf springs, while the vibration characteristics obtained from the numerical analysis were experimentally validated.
The thesis defense committee consisted of:
- Prof. Dr. Nabeel Hassan Hadi – Chair
- Prof. Dr. Hamad Mohammed Hassan – Member
- Lect. Dr. Muayad Mohammed Eidan – Member
- Lect. Dr. Afnan Ahmed Abdul-Kareem – Supervisor
The study contributes to engineering research aimed at expanding the application of composite materials in mechanical engineering, while improving the structural efficiency and dynamic performance of leaf springs through optimized geometric design.
At the conclusion of the defense, the committee discussed the research methodology, results, and scientific contributions with the researcher and provided their academic and scientific observations.
