Bourgenot, C. orcid.org/0000-0002-0458-9321, Krumins, V., Bramall, D.G. et al. (1 more author) (2024) Topology optimization of a single-point diamond-turning fixture for a deployable primary mirror telescope. Aerospace, 11 (1). 50. ISSN 2226-4310
Abstract
CubeSats, known for their compact size and cost effectiveness, have gained significant popularity. However, their limited size imposes restrictions on the optical aperture and, consequently, the Ground Resolution Distance in Earth Observation missions. To overcome this limitation, the concept of deployable optical payloads with segmented primary mirrors which can unfold like petals has emerged, enabling larger synthetic apertures and enhanced spatial resolution. This study explores the potential benefits of leveraging Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Topology Optimization (TO) in the realm of ultra-precision machining, specifically single-point diamond machining. The goal is to reduce fixture weight while improving stiffness to minimize deformations caused by rotational and cutting forces which compromise optical performance. Through Finite Element Analysis, this research compares conventionally machined fixtures with those produced using AM and TO techniques. The results reveal that concept designs created via TO can achieve a remarkable 68% reduction in weight. This reduction makes the assembly, including the machining fixture and 12 U deployable segments, manageable by a single operator without the need for specialized lifting equipment. Moreover, these innovative designs lead to substantial reductions of up to 86% and 51% in deformation induced by rotational and cutting forces, respectively.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). |
Keywords: | topology optimization; single-point diamond machining; deployable optics; additive manufacturing; CubeSat; lightweight; earth observation |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > University of Sheffield Research Centres and Institutes > AMRC with Boeing (Sheffield) The University of Sheffield > Advanced Manufacturing Institute (Sheffield) > AMRC with Boeing (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 20 Feb 2024 16:12 |
Last Modified: | 20 Feb 2024 16:12 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | MDPI AG |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.3390/aerospace11010050 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:209340 |