PARAMETRIC STUDY OF THE DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF GAS-LUBRICATED RINGLESS PISTONS

A parametric study is performed for a relatively large size helium cry ocooler which utilizes a ringless piston. The results are presented in a dimensionless form and may be useful for other ringless-piston syst ems as well. Altogether twelve different parameters were studied and t heir effect on piston stability and sealing performance was analyzed a nd discussed. Although the cylindrical piston shape is commonly used f or ringless piston applications, it seems that this is not the best ch oice for an optimum design.