Feasibility study of using elastic memory composites for the deployment of precision optical space instruments

Will Francis; Mark S. Lake; Jason D. Hinkle; Lee D. Peterson

doi:10.1117/12.563149

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30 September 2004 Feasibility study of using elastic memory composites for the deployment of precision optical space instruments

Will Francis, Mark S. Lake, Jason D. Hinkle, Lee D. Peterson

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Proceedings Volume 5528, Space Systems Engineering and Optical Alignment Mechanisms; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.563149
Event: Optical Science and Technology, the SPIE 49th Annual Meeting, 2004, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

The use of an elastic memory composite member (EMC) as the active element in deployable optical instruments has tremendous potential. Elastic memory composite mechanisms can remove the need for mechanical latches and remove the post deployed microdynamic instabilities associated with them while providing a low shock, controlled deployment. Additionally, elastic memory composite mechanisms are lightweight, simple, and have a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, which are also desirable properties for deployable optical systems. This paper describes an effort that has been done to explore this possibility. A mechanical latching actuator in an existing precision deployable optical testbed was replaced by an EMC self-locking actuator. Feasibility was assessed through a detailed design and fabrication exercise followed by experimental evaluation of a prototype actuator system in the ground-based deployable optics testbed.

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Will Francis, Mark S. Lake, Jason D. Hinkle, and Lee D. Peterson "Feasibility study of using elastic memory composites for the deployment of precision optical space instruments", Proc. SPIE 5528, Space Systems Engineering and Optical Alignment Mechanisms, (30 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.563149

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