Validation of an Integrated Modeling Methodology's Closed-Loop Performance Prediction Capability

Abstract

This paper validates the integrated modeling methodology used for design and performance evaluation of complex optomechanicalsystems, particularly spaceborne interferometers. Themethodologyintegrates structural modeling, optical modeling, and control system modeling and design into a common environment, the Integrated Modeling of Optical Systems software package. The validation uses the Micro-Precision Interferometer testbed, a ground-based, full-scale hardware model of a spaceborne interferometer. Parallel development of the testbed and a corresponding integrated model enabled a unique opportunity to validate the modeling methodology with actual testbed measurements. This paper assesses the ability of the integrated modeling methodology to predict performance in a closed-loop conŽ guration, namely with high-bandwidth optical control loops operational. The assessment is a comparison of integrated model closed-loop predictions with testbed closed-loop measurements, indicating that the integrated modeling methodology is accurate to within a factor of two.