An Overview of Thermal Distortion Modeling, Analysis, and Model Validation for the JWST ISIM Structure

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, infrared-optimized space telescope consisting of the following elements: (1) Optical telescope element (OTE) (2) Integrated science instrument module (ISIM) (3) Spacecraft (4) Sunshield The Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) consists of the JWST science instruments (NIRCam, MIRI, NIRSpec), a fine guidance sensor (FGS), the ISIM Structure, and thermal and electrical subsystems. JWST's instruments are designed to work primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and the instruments and telescope operate at cryogenic temperatures (approximately 35 K for the instruments). The development and validation of a thermal distortion modeling and analysis capability for the JWST ISIM Structure was successfully completed. The modeling and analysis approach was grounded in initial constituent materials testing and benchmarked to test results at the composite bonded joint, subassembly, and fullscale flight hardware levels. Comparison of analysis predictions and test results from this series of incremental cryogenic thermal distortion tests demonstrates that the model validation goals are achieved.