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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Integrate fundamental knowledge of the relationships between the optimized geometries, gradient paths, gradation, mechanical properties and structural performance, i.e. simultaneously optimize structural, material, and thermal design for optical systems to reduce sensitivity to thermal distortions in space which affect precision pointing
A new mount design approach using GMS3D for high performance optical instruments Current design approach for optical mounts uses kinematic mounts which only minimize over mechanical constraints in the system, but do not compensate for thermal gradients, which can cause significant distortions. The design approach currently n use involves disjoint, sequential discipline analysis which is labor intensive and inefficient.
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