Active membrane using electrostructure graft elastomer for deployable and lightweight mirrors

E. H. Yang, Y. Hishinuma, J. Su, T. B. Xu, R. Morgan, Z. Chang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An important requirement enabling future space missions is the availability of very large, deployed, re-configurable apertures for high-resolution imaging. Membrane-based architectures have the potential for very low aerial densities, which will enable large aperture space telescopes. Two major requirements for considering large apertures are: 1) a high degree of surface control coupled with a low-mass deployable capability and 2) an optical quality membrane mirror technology. Current state-of-the-art deployable aperture technologies have significant limitations in their ability to correct the surface figure following deployment. In this paper, a controlled deformation of silicon membrane mirrors using electroactive polymer has been demonstrated to overcome these limitations. We have designed, modeled, and fabricated Electrostrictive Graft Elastomer (G-elastomer)-based bi-layer membranes. The bi-layer mirror membranes maintain a good working condition after thermal cyclic tests, performed at temperatures between -50°C and 150°C. G-elastomer provides means to drive and control the deflection and curvature of reflective membranes. Several G-elastomer-based bi-layer structures have been optically characterized. This concept can be scaled to a deployable ultra-large mirror with a self-reconfiguration capability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2007
Pages369-373
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2007 - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: 11 Nov 200715 Nov 2007

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings
Volume10 PART A

Conference

ConferenceASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period11/11/0715/11/07

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