10 January 2023 Development of a design and optimization tool for axial mirror supports of large telescopes
Iker Blanco Bravo, Oriol Casamor Martinell, Antonio Marzoa Domínguez
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The present paper describes a parametric design and optimization tool [Support Optimization and Design Tool (SODT)], used to evaluate passive axial support positions on circular solid meniscus mirrors. The developed tool avoids the intrinsic limitations of methodologies of the reference literature, based on analytical formulations. A parametric finite element model of the mirror is generated from the user inputs and the support distribution is optimized in terms of the root mean square of the surface error (SFE). The optimization process is based on a hybrid optimization algorithm combining genetic algorithms and a gradient-based approach. The results are compared to the ones presented in the literature, evidencing minor discrepancies that can be basically attributed to differences in methodology and structural formulation, as it is discussed in the text. Finally, the finite element and optical postprocessing results are verified against industry-grade software: MSC Nastran® and Sigmadyne SigFit®.

© 2023 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)
Iker Blanco Bravo, Oriol Casamor Martinell, and Antonio Marzoa Domínguez "Development of a design and optimization tool for axial mirror supports of large telescopes," Optical Engineering 62(2), 021008 (10 January 2023). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.62.2.021008
Received: 20 October 2022; Accepted: 19 December 2022; Published: 10 January 2023
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KEYWORDS
Mirrors

Design and modelling

Mathematical optimization

Genetic algorithms

Optical engineering

Finite element methods

Optical surfaces

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