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. 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
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(818) 354-2240
Refer to NPO-30221, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
