Flexible support structure design for optical mirror

Abstract

In order to realize the high-precision assembly of the mirror of the aeronautical optical system, a semi-kinematic flexible support structure applied to the airborne field was designed. This paper studies the support principle and assembly method of flexible support of mirror. Firstly, according to the kinematic theory of space mechanism, the spatial degrees of freedom of the mirror were theoretically analyzed. Then, in view of the difficulties encountered in the assembly and application of the mirror, a flexible support structure was designed. Then, the design results were verified by means of finite element analysis. Finally, the processing and assembly of a flexible support structure of the mirror was completed, and the relevant experimental tests were carried out. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the mirror after assembly with flexible support structure is better than λ/50 (λ = 632.8 nm), and the mass is less than 2 kg. The model fundamental frequency modal of the whole assembly is 645 Hz, which is higher than the design requirement. All simulation and test results show that the flexible support structure works well, meets the requirements of aviation optical system, and has the advantages of simple assembly, high precision, stability and reliability.

Keywords

• Aerial optical imaging
• Flexible support
• Simulation analysis
• Surface shape error test