PROJECT TITLE: Technology for Large Aperture Membrane Optics
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The objective of the proposed research is to establish the technical viability of a process that will enable production of cast precision membrane structures of virtually unlimited aperture. Very large membrane structures are required for many concepts currently being considered for space-based large telescopes and other NASA science missions. The current state-of-the-art fabrication process for dual curvature (parabolic) shapes, developed by SRS Technologies, requires a single piece mandrel the size of the final membrane structure. SRS has fabricated precision thin film structures of up to 5 meters in diameter using this method. This technique could probably be extended to manufacture components up to approximately twice this size. However, new technology is required to fabricate very large membrane structures that are needed for many future NASA applications. This effort will result in development of a solvent welding technique to join film sections much more reliably and with much less variation in seam material properties than is achievable at this time. Additionally, new mandrel technology will be developed to enable larger films to be cast on lighter weight, less expensive tools.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Very large thin film membrane structures are critical for NASA missions in Solar Thermal Power and many other areas. The technology developed under this effort will focus on enabling construction of very large (>> 10 meter) precision-cast, doubly-curved membranes for future very large aperture space telescopes. However, this is truly a cross-cutting technology development effort. Large doubly-curved membranes are also needed for solar concentrators for solar dynamic or other space power applications, advanced solar thermal propulsion concepts, and many antenna applications. Additionally, the solvent welding technology to be developed has direct application to manufacturing large flat membranes that are required for linear solar concentrators for power generation, solar sails, and star occulters. This effort constitutes a high payoff technology investment due to the wide range of future applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
James D. Moore SRS Technologies 500 Discovery Drive Huntsville , AL 35806 - 0000
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
SRS Technologies 500 Discovery Drive Huntsville , AL 35806 - 0000