Slumped Glass Research Articles

The new slumped glass façade at Tiffany’s flagship store

The new slumped glass façade at Tiffany’s flagship store

Deterministic figure correction of piezoelectrically adjustable slumped glass optics

Thin x-ray optics with high angular resolution (≤ 0.5 arcsec) over a wide field of view enable the study of a number of astrophysically important topics and feature prominently in Lynx, a next-generation x-ray observatory concept currently under NASA study. In an effort to address this technology need, piezoelectrically adjustable, thin mirror segments capable of figure correction after mounting and on-orbit are under development. We report on the fabrication and characterization of an adjustable cylindrical slumped glass optic. This optic has realized 100% piezoelectric cell yield and employs lithographically patterned traces and anisotropic conductive film connections to address the piezoelectric cells. In addition, the measured responses of the piezoelectric cells are found to be in good agreement with finite-element analysis models. While the optic as manufactured is outside the range of absolute figure correction, simulated corrections using the measured responses of the piezoelectric cells are found to improve 5 to 10 arcsec mirrors to 1 to 3 arcsec [half-power diameter (HPD), single reflection at 1 keV]. Moreover, a measured relative figure change which would correct the figure of a representative slumped glass piece from 6.7 to 1.2 arcsec HPD is empirically demonstrated. We employ finite-element analysis-modeled influence functions to understand the current frequency limitations of the correction algorithm employed and identify a path toward achieving subarcsecond corrections.

Optimization of the heat output of wall convectors with using an unconventional slumped glass cover

This paper deals with study of a new shape of the glass cover of heat convectors. Design of the heat convectors is characterized by the low water volume, highly variable geometry, adjustable heat output and the pressure losses that arise when the fluid flow through the exchanger. Based on a new concept of a slumped glass cover of the exchanger have been created some numerical models and also carried out experiments in order to find and optimize an appropriate shape. The glass materials are very specific mainly due to their specific shaping abilities and technological capabilities of manufacturing. The aim is to determine an appropriate shape and a curvature of the glass body and also the position and size of the exchanger. It has been found a significant dependence of the heat exchanger position on to the total heat output of an entire device. Simultaneously has been proved also the dependence of a shape of the cover plate, to the total heat output, that is more considerably for natural than for the forced convection.