Radial support analysis for large-aperture rotating wedge prism

The different radial support ways for a rotation prism are presented to evaluate the strains and stresses induced by the gravity action and the thermal effects. Due to the large-aperture, non-uniform quality distribution and especially rotation from 0° to 360°, neither the multi-point support way nor the full surface-contact support can well meet the assembly requirements. The paper proposes a novel project of an adjustable partial surface-contact support way to solve this support problem. The maximum strain and stress under this support way both are less than the tolerance limit of the strength assurance regardless of the prism rotating to any position. Meanwhile, the thermally-induced structural analysis is performed to predict some specific work cases, which is much valuable for the improvement of the assembly design.

► Discussion on various radial support ways for a large size rotating wedge prism. ► Design and analysis of a novel adjustable partial surface-contact support way. ► Some valuable analysis results during rotating the wedge prism to any position. ► Thermal-structural analysis is implemented t to predict some specific work cases.