A multifunctional high strain composite (HSC) hinge for deployable in-space optomechanics

Abstract

Abstract Deployable, large aperture space optics require precision phasing of segmented and uniquesparsely-filled primaries for optical alignment which introduce challenges to these already complex optomechanical designs. This work presents a multifunctional high strain composite hinge with integrated piezoelectric actuation capabilities to support deployable space telescopes and address these challenges. Finite element simulations and experimental testing are utilized to design and validate the multifunctional high strain composite hinge. Macro Fiber Composite actuators are integrated with the high strain composite hinge in a specific layout based on the finite element analyses to induce piston, pitch, and roll tip motions for precision optical alignment after deployment. A feedback control system is implemented to demonstrate an actuation resolution of better than 25 nm over a 15 µm range for a single degree of freedom, validating the multifunctional high strain composite hinge for alignment to levels required for visible wavelength optical systems.