Effect of materials and modelling on the design of the space-based lightweight mirror

Abstract

This paper focused on the application of finite element analysis in the design and validation of a space-based lightweight mirror. Reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RB SiC) and silicon carbide particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites (SiC p/Al) were selected as candidate materials for the mirror, and the finite element model created by discretizing the mirror assembly was employed to predict the performance of the mirror. The results indicated that RB SiC offered more excellent characteristics relative to other traditional materials and was a better candidate for space application in comparison with SiC p/Al.