16 - 21 June 2024
Yokohama, Japan
Conference 13100 > Paper 13100-272
Paper 13100-272

Innovative solution for upgrading commercial bearings for use in cryogenic instruments

On demand | Presented live 20 June 2024

Abstract

At the IAC (Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias) different lubrication techniques have been applied over the years to prepare commercial bearings at room temperature for operation at cryogenic temperatures. This paper discusses these techniques and the selected materials for bearings preparation and presents the results of the latest cryogenic temperature life tests conducted on the produced bearings, along with the conclusions reached.

Presenter

Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
My professional journey commenced in 2001 when I joined the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) as a mechanical engineer. In the early years, I played a pivotal role in the design, calculation, and AIV processes of the infrared spectrographs developed at the IAC, including projects such as LIRIS, EMIR, and GRIS. Subsequently, I actively participated in the FP6 design studies for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). This phase involved my contributions to VLT MASSDIMM, VLT SCIDAR, WEB, APE, and the design proposal for the M1 mount. After that I contributed to specific work packages for the European Solar Telescope (EST). Evolving into a senior engineer, I became an integral part of the design team for the GTCAO LGS laser launch telescope and after that I was assuming responsibility for the Pre-Optics subsystem of the HARMONI instrument designed for the ELT. Presently, I hold the esteemed position of heading the Mechanical Engineering department at the IAC.
Author
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
Author
Pablo Alberto Fuerte Rodríguez
European Southern Observatory (Germany)
Author
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
Presenter/Author
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
Author
Alberto Hernández-González
Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)