Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector

In recent years, the need for lightweight optics has become increasingly important due in part of the high cost/weight ratio when sending payloads into space. One feature of lightweight optics is that they are typically constructed from a material that is not as rigid as the standard glass billet mi...

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Main Authors: Grobler, Francois, Gubel, A., Meehan, E., Tibbets, T., Jenkins, C., Woo, K.
Format: Conference Paper
Published: 2012
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/52421
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author Grobler, Francois
Gubel, A.
Meehan, E.
Tibbets, T.
Jenkins, C.
Woo, K.
author_facet Grobler, Francois
Gubel, A.
Meehan, E.
Tibbets, T.
Jenkins, C.
Woo, K.
author_sort Grobler, Francois
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description In recent years, the need for lightweight optics has become increasingly important due in part of the high cost/weight ratio when sending payloads into space. One feature of lightweight optics is that they are typically constructed from a material that is not as rigid as the standard glass billet mirrors. This leads to both the need for, and ability to, control the shape of the reflector. Several methods for controlling the shape have been developed, including piezoelectric, electrostatic, and magnetic actuators. In this paper we discuss the development of a novel prototype lightweight magnetically-controlled membrane reflector (MCMR). The reflector substrate was a composite consisting of latex rubber and iron particles spun-cast onto a reflective Mylar membrane. Permanent magnets were used to provide the control force. A novel shielding array allowed for continuously variable control actuation. Experimental results for both magnetic field characterization and the deformation of the surface figure are discussed.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-524212018-08-06T01:31:17Z Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector Grobler, Francois Gubel, A. Meehan, E. Tibbets, T. Jenkins, C. Woo, K. In recent years, the need for lightweight optics has become increasingly important due in part of the high cost/weight ratio when sending payloads into space. One feature of lightweight optics is that they are typically constructed from a material that is not as rigid as the standard glass billet mirrors. This leads to both the need for, and ability to, control the shape of the reflector. Several methods for controlling the shape have been developed, including piezoelectric, electrostatic, and magnetic actuators. In this paper we discuss the development of a novel prototype lightweight magnetically-controlled membrane reflector (MCMR). The reflector substrate was a composite consisting of latex rubber and iron particles spun-cast onto a reflective Mylar membrane. Permanent magnets were used to provide the control force. A novel shielding array allowed for continuously variable control actuation. Experimental results for both magnetic field characterization and the deformation of the surface figure are discussed. 2012 Conference Paper http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/52421 10.2514/6.2012-1669 restricted
spellingShingle Grobler, Francois
Gubel, A.
Meehan, E.
Tibbets, T.
Jenkins, C.
Woo, K.
Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector
title Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector
title_full Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector
title_fullStr Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector
title_full_unstemmed Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector
title_short Magnetically-controlled membrane reflector
title_sort magnetically-controlled membrane reflector
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/52421