An experiment and calculation have demonstrated the feasibility of a technique of compact storage of paraboloidal mirrors made of thin composite-material (multiple layers of carbon fiber mats in a polymeric matrix) shells coated with metal for reflectivity. Such mirrors are under consideration as simple, lightweight alternatives to the heavier, more complex mirrors now used in space telescopes. They could also be used on Earth in applications in which gravitational sag of the thin shells can be tolerated.
The present technique is essentially the same as that used to store large maps, posters, tapestries, and similar objects: One simply rolls up the mirror to a radius small enough to enable the insertion of the mirror in a protective cylindrical case. Provided that the stress associated with rolling the mirror is not so large as to introduce an appreciable amount of hysteresis, the mirror can be expected to spring back to its original shape, with sufficient precision to perform its intended optical function, when unrolled from storage.
A simple calculation yields a qualitative indication of the level of stress in, and the likelihood of permanent deformation of, a rolled mirror. The calculation in question is an estimate of the stress in a rolled flat sheet of the same composite material and thickness as those of the mirror shell. The compressive or tensile stress (S) in the radially innermost or radially outermost surface layer, respectively, is given by S = Et/2r, where E is the modulus of elasticity of the composite-material shell or flat sheet, t is the thickness of the shell or flat sheet, and r is the radius of curvature to which the shell or sheet is rolled. For a typical mirror diameter (D = 2 m) and shell thickness (t = 1 mm) rolled to a radius such that diametrically opposite points on the edge of the mirror just come into contact (r = D/2π), this equation yields S ≈ 0.016E. This is a relatively small amount of stress and, as such, would not be expected to cause an appreciable permanent deformation.
The figure depicts stages of a demonstration in which a composite-material mirror of D = 90 cm, t = 1 mm, and a focal ratio (f number) of 1 was manually rolled as described above. Visual inspection after unrolling revealed no hysteresis. Further optical testing of the unrolled mirror was underway at the time of reporting the information for this article.
This work was done by Aden Meinel, Marjorie Meinel, and Robert Romeo of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Mechanics category. NPO-20987.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Rollable Thin Shell Composite-Material Paraboloidal Mirrors
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Overview
The document discusses the development and feasibility of rollable thin shell composite-material paraboloidal mirrors, which are lightweight alternatives to traditional mirrors used in space telescopes. Developed by researchers Aden Meinel, Marjorie Meinel, and Robert Romeo at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), these mirrors are constructed from multiple layers of carbon fiber mats embedded in a polymeric matrix, coated with metal for reflectivity.
The primary innovation lies in the mirrors' ability to be rolled up for compact storage, similar to how large maps or tapestries are stored. This rolling technique allows the mirrors to be housed in narrow cylindrical cases, making them easier to transport and deploy in various applications. The document outlines a calculation method to estimate the stress experienced by the mirror during the rolling process, which is crucial to ensure that the stress does not lead to permanent deformation or hysteresis. The formula provided, S = Et/2r, where S is the stress, E is the modulus of elasticity, t is the thickness, and r is the radius of curvature, indicates that for a typical mirror size (2 m diameter and 1 mm thickness), the stress remains relatively low (approximately 0.016E), suggesting that significant deformation is unlikely.
An experimental demonstration involved manually rolling a composite-material mirror with a diameter of 90 cm and a thickness of 1 mm. After unrolling, visual inspections showed no signs of permanent distortion, and further optical testing was planned to assess the mirror's performance.
The document emphasizes the potential applications of these mirrors, not only in space but also on Earth, where gravitational sag can be tolerated. The lightweight nature of these mirrors could lead to simpler and more efficient designs in optical systems, enhancing their usability in various fields.
Overall, the research highlights a significant advancement in mirror technology, promising to improve the efficiency and practicality of optical instruments in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. The work is part of ongoing efforts by NASA and JPL to innovate in the field of space exploration and technology.
