Official Answer
Answer
Groove deformation, or 'wall yielding,' occurs when the thrust load $P$ exceeds the compressive yield strength of the housing material. In soft materials like aluminum, the groove wall will begin to deform plastically, creating a ramp-like profile. This 'ramping' allows the spiral ring to 'dish' (tilt axially). As the ring dishes, it expands radially, eventually popping out of the groove. This is not a failure of the ring itself, but a failure of the system's groove design. Troubleshooting involves checking the groove wall for a 'mushroomed' appearance. Mitigation strategies include increasing the groove depth, using a harder housing material, or utilizing a 'Load-Spreading' spiral ring with a larger radial wall.
