Nanolaminate Mirrors With Integral Figure-Control Actuators

A report discusses the development of thin-shell curved mirrors comprised of metallic multilayer nanolaminate substrates that contain integral inplane actuators for controlling surface figure with micron-level precision. These mirrors, intended for incorporation into scientific imaging systems, would have areal mass densities of <2 kg/m². The development involves the combination of emerging disciplines of nanolayer composite materials, electroactive materials, and mathematical modeling for the understanding and controlling elastic deformations of thin-shell structures. Nanolaminates constitute a relatively new class of materials that can approach theoretical limits of stiffness and strength. The report details the mathematical-modeling aspect of the development with a brief discussion of experiments on nanolaminate specimens.

This work was done by Gregory Hickey, Shyh-Shiuh Lih, and Troy Barbee of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, “Deformable Thin Shell Nano-Laminate Mirror,” access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free online at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Materials category.

In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to Intellectual Property group JPL Mail Stop 202-233 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109 (818) 354-2240 Refer to NPO-30221, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.

This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).

Nanolaminate Mirrors With Integral Figure-Control Actuators (reference NPO-30221) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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