Specific Error Mode Correction for Deformable Reflector by Structure–Actuator Simultaneous Optimization

Abstract

This paper proposes an efficient shape correction method for high-precision deformable reflectors. To this end, the specific error modes that affect the antenna performance are selectively corrected by simultaneous optimization of the structure and the actuator locations. First, a method to correct the specific error modes by design optimization is formulated, where a residual surface error vector is introduced to evaluate the contribution of each error mode. A constraint parameter for the actuator location, which helps the optimization algorithm find the global minimum, is proposed to improve the optimization performance. The results of the optimization indicated that the proposed constraint parameter as well as the simultaneous optimization of the structure and actuator distribution improve optimization performance. The optimized deformable reflector with the shape control actuators is then manufactured for experimental verification. The experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical results obtained in the design phase, thereby confirming the feasibility of the optimum design. Thus, the effectiveness of the proposed shape correction method is indicated.