Parameter Based Method for Three Arm Spiral Shaped Flexural Bearing

Spiral slot based flexural bearings are widely used in sterling engine in cryogenic application. This paper deals with parametric analysis of three spiral arm, double stage spiral slot flexural bearing of constant inner and outer diameter. The parameter analysis was conducted on ANSYS. In the parameter analysis; spiral angle, thickness of the flexural plate, spiral slot thickness were varied at different levels to study the axial displacement, axial and radial stiffness of the system and stresses developed. Among various geometrical attributes spiral angle, slot thickness and pitch of the spiral are the outcomes of the design for desired axial displacement for considered flexural plate thickness. The results obtained are generalized for the purpose of developing the design methodology. Further these results are presented in graphical way for design simplification leading to determination of geometrical parameters of flexural bearing based on predetermined geometrical and material constants.