Optical Performance Predictions and Testing of a Composite Reflector

by Chin-Po Kuo, California Inst of Technology, Pasadena, United States,
Richard Helms, California Inst of Technology, Pasadena, United States,
Christopher Porter, California Inst of Technology, Pasadena, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Mechanics Computing in 1990's and Beyond

Abstract:

This paper describes the structural analysis and the experimental performance evaluation of advanced composite mirror designs for future NASA astrophysics missions. An interdisciplinary analysis combining materials, structures, thermal and optics elements is utilized to design and evaluate mirror performance. The development of a high fidelity structural model is key to predicting the performance of the reflector. It is shown that several mirror configurations can meet the stringent requirements of these missions.

Subject Headings: Structural analysis | Composite materials | Thermal analysis | Federal government | Telescopes | Structural models | Structural members

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