In this study, leaf springs were designed to assist operating force of hatches for military vehicles. To apply leaf springs to hatches, it is necessary that the specification of leaf springs satisfies proper torque and durability. Torque performance of leaf springs is determined by thickness, width, length, quantity, and torsion angle, and it can be designed using a formula.
In this study, an algorithm for design optimization of leaf springs in limited space was proposed. Two specifications of leaf springs were determined using the algorithm, and the torque of leaf springs were measured. The reliability of the leaf spring torque calculation formula was analyzed by comparing the calculated values obtained using the formula with the measured values. In addition, by improving the figure of the leaf springs fixing part, the maximum stress of leaf springs was decreased, and its durability was improved. Stress reduction was verified through structural analysis. Furthermore, the required durability performance of leaf springs was met through the results of the torsion durability test. Finally, leaf springs were applied to hatches, and the operating force of hatch was measured. In addition, the reliability of the suggested designed algorithm was verified by comparing the calculated values with the measured values with an error rate of 37%.