Leaf springs

A spring is the component of a vehicle which serves the purpose of absorbing the shock developed while it is in motion. There are two varieties here. They are tension spring and compression spring. In a tension spring load is connected to one end leading to tension (extension). In a compression spring, the loading results in compression. Leaf springs are specially designed springs which are mounted on vehicles for suspension purposes.  A number of leaf springs bound by a nut and bolt arrangement is widely preferred in vehicles. Commonly used configuration is semi elliptical. On the application of load, friction is developed between the leaf plates. A casing around the leaf plate prevents the accumulation of dust and grit materials. To reduce friction, a lubricant, preferably grease with graphite is applied between the plates. To facilitate bending and springing, one plate is allowed to slide against another.