Non-deterministic design and analysis of parameterized optical structures during conceptual design

The next generation of space observatories will use larger mirrors while meeting tighter optical performance requirements than current space telescopes. The spacecraft designs must satisfy the drive for low-mass, low-cost systems, and be robust to uncertainty since design validation will be based on analysis instead of pre-launch tests. Analytical techniques will be required to identify which technologies or structural architectures are most appropriate to meet conflicting system requirements, but traditionally, model-based dynamic analysis would only take place after a single point design is chosen. The challenges facing future space telescopes require a new approach to conceptual design, and motivate the creation of design tools to identify superior, robust designs earlier in the design lifecycle using model-based analysis methods. A conceptual design methodology is proposed, in which both nominal performance as well as robustness to uncertainty are evaluated across multiple design realizations. A modeling environment is created so that for any set of design variables, such as mirror architecture or dimensions of the spacecraft, a finite element model is automatically generate and analyzed.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Uebelhart, Scott Alan, 1975-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• David W. Miller.

• Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/39598

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/39598