Bearing sphere for SOFIA telescope: a challenge for design and manufacturing

Guenter Stoeffler; Robert Heydenreich

doi:10.1117/12.389110

20 June 2000 Bearing sphere for SOFIA telescope: a challenge for design and manufacturing

Guenter Stoeffler, Robert Heydenreich

Proceedings Volume 4014, Airborne Telescope Systems; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.389110
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

Supporting the Telescope structure is done via a Bearing Sphere in a Hydraulic bearing which is part of the SOFIA Suspension system. Frictionless bearing requires a sphere with varying stiffness in defined directions and a smooth and wear resistant surface giving also corrosion resistance against humidity and hydraulic fluid. Weight restrictions and through penetration by the Nasmyth Tube required a highly sophisticated design and manufacturing techniques. The 1.2 m sphere is cast from nodular cast iron, machined and coated by electrodeposition with a sulfamate nickel coating on the outer bearing sphere surfaces. The sphere represents a one of a kind construction unique in stiffness to mass ratio. The design as well as manufacturing philosophy of the sphere are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Guenter Stoeffler and Robert Heydenreich "Bearing sphere for SOFIA telescope: a challenge for design and manufacturing", Proc. SPIE 4014, Airborne Telescope Systems, (20 June 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.389110

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