The initial clearance left between the leaves in a laminated leaf spring is known as 

Explanation:

Leaf spring:

The initial gap 'C' between the extra full-length leaf and graduated length leaf before the assembly is called nip.

Stress in full-length leaves is 50% greater than the stress in graduated leaves. When the load is gradually applied to the spring, the full-length leaves relived the initial stress and then stressed in opposite direction. Such a pre-stressing achieved by a difference in radii of curvature is known as nipping.

Nipping is common in automobile suspension spring.

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Additional Information

Leaf spring:

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• A leaf spring is a simple form of spring, commonly used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles.
• It is also called laminated or carriage spring.
• Leaf springs are formed by bending.
• They are made of long strips of steel.
• Each strip is named Leaf.
• The longleaf is called Master Leaf, and it consists of eyes at both ends.
• Laminated springs are generally loaded at the center and supported at ends.
• Semi-elliptic type of leaf spring is the most popular for the rear suspension, and are used in 75% of cars.