The properties of crossed flexure pivots, and the influence of the point at which the strips cross

Summmary

It is shown that the rotational stiffness of a crossed flexure pivot varies considerably when subjected to an applied force. The type of variation can be radically changed simply by moving the point at which the strips cross. The relation between torque and rotation for a given applied force is not exactly linear and the extent of the non-linearity is determined by taking into account the small movements of the centre of rotation of the pivot. Finally, for design purposes, an analysis of the maximum stresses in the strips is given.

Crossed flexure pivots, of the type shown in Fig. 1, are extensively used in aeronautical research equipment to replace knife edges or ball bearings. Perhaps the most frequent use is for the fulcrum of the balance arm in a wind tunnel balance. Here, a null-point method of reading is almost invariably used, so that the prime considerations influencing the design of a flexure pivot for such a purpose are (a) that the applied loads should not cause instability of the pivot, and (b) that the rotational stiffness should be small enough to give adequate sensitivity.