Development of a Composite Stabiliser Bar

The objective is to design & manufacture a unique high performance composite stabiliser bar
for heavy commercial vehicles. The composite material allows significant light-weighting
compared to existing steel designs. With strong technical and environmental benefits, increase
durability, improved fuel efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions there is potential to
develop a disruptive technology.
Low weight, high performance products are becoming increasingly essential for commercial
vehicles. New emission regulations for trucks built after 2013 require additional engine
control and exhaust treatment systems which increase vehicle weight and fuel consumption. A
composite stabiliser bar would be a useable solution to counter these problems.
Through the extensive FEA modelling and experimental research, Tinsley Bridge (TB) will
work with The University of Sheffield’s Advance Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to
evolve the optimum materials selection, design parameters and processing route to
manufacture an innovative concept sample.
The AMRC Composite Centre is a state-of-the-art facility for advanced composite research
and development. A key objective is to ensure the knowledge and learning developed during
the project is embedded into TB, enhancing the competitiveness of UK manufacturing.
The performance of the manufactured sample will be demonstrated in fatigue bench tests at
TB. The data will be directly comparable to existing steel stabiliser bars to provide
compelling evidence of the performance benefit customers.
The market potential of a successful product is significant and relevant to a number of
transport sectors globally including road, rail and defence. The process technology will also
carry over to composite torsion bars, which is an important complimentary market.
Delivery of this project will provide TB with a unique manufacturing process and product
design that will support the UK with a high value manufacturing capability.