Lightweight optical telescope structures fabricated from CFRP composites

Robert N. Martin; Robert C. Romeo

doi:10.1117/12.732576

17 September 2007 Lightweight optical telescope structures fabricated from CFRP composites

Robert N. Martin, Robert C. Romeo

Proceedings Volume 6665, New Developments in Optomechanics; 66650A (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.732576
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) is an attractive material for fabrication of optical systems. The stiffness-to-weight ratio of CFRP is high, the coefficient of thermal expansion is low, the structure thermalizes rapidly, and many of the structural properties can be tailored to the application. We have used CFRP and CFRP-aluminum sandwich panels extensively in the structures of astronomical, optical telescopes up to 1.5m diameter aperture. In designing the optical structures, we have chosen some key fabrication techniques with CFRP that take advantage of the mechanical properties. This paper discusses the design and fabrication of 2 major telescope projects. The 1m ULTRA telescope has both the optics and the OTA fabricated from CFRP. This telescope has been recently installed at the SDSU Mt. Laguna Observatory near San Diego. A 1.4m telescope for the Naval Research Lab is being designed and fabricated at CMA. The optics, OTA, and the mount are all being fabricated using CFRP composites. The result is a lightweight structure which can be moved or deployed as necessary.

Citation Download Citation

Robert N. Martin and Robert C. Romeo "Lightweight optical telescope structures fabricated from CFRP composites", Proc. SPIE 6665, New Developments in Optomechanics, 66650A (17 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.732576

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available