Parametric investigation of special purpose flexure spring used in cryocooler

Abstract

Flexure springs play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and newlinedurability of cryocooler compressors. The critical application of flexure spring newlineintends to eliminate wear, frictional losses and significant vibrations. A newlineparameter study is performed considering the design variables of a flexure spring newlineto meet the requirements of the cryocooler compressors, viz. complexity of the newlinegeometric configuration, stress distribution, radial and axial stiffness, fatigue life, newlinenatural frequency, material, etc. The parametric design approach is deployed newlineusing finite element analysis (FEA) to validate the same by experimental data to newlineanalyse the performance of the flexure spring. This research study also presents a newlinecomparative analysis of the design variables in terms of axial and radial stiffness, newlineinduced stresses, and the manufacturing feasibility considerations to optimize newlinethe design of a special purpose flexure spring for the cryocooler compressors. newlineA thorough literature review is also conducted to provide a theoretical newlinebackground and context for studying cryocoolers, linear motor compressors, and newlineflexure springs. The review guided the selection of the initial geometric newlineconfiguration and parameters for the spiral flexure springs under consideration, newlinewhich discusses pertinent research and advancements in these fields. The newlinescientometric analysis and review are also discussed to provide state-of-the-art newlineresearch status. newlineThe theoretical analysis and design procedures for flexure springs, newlineincluding the stack analysis of spiral flexure springs in a linear compressor, are newlineconducted to predict the performance of flexure springs under various operating newlineconditions considering axial stiffness, natural frequency, and geometry newlineparameters of flexure springs based on the principles of mechanics of materials and vibration. A comprehensive analysis for material selection is conducted using newlinethe material options viz. a] AISI Stainless Steel 302 and 304 b] Beryllium Copper.