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Soosaar, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Soosaar, K..

Precision space structures

NASA large space structures efforts to date aimed towards large, flexible antenna-like structures (30-100M) with relatively long wavelengths (1-30cm) and moderate disturbances leading to some structure-control interaction. Potential missions in the OPTICS regime require small reflectors/mirrors, short wavelengths (visible to 100 microns), very tight tolerances in surface, alignment, pointing stability, as well as the potential of considerable on-board disturbances. For optics systems: figure/surface control can be quasi-static, active/passive isolation schemes are possible, vibration control is necessary, and the attitude control system can be low BW - Ground testing of reflectors and mirrors is more feasible than with antennas.

Soosaar, K.

An Integrated Control and Minimum Mass Structural Optimization Algorithm for Large Space Structures

A new approach is discussed for solving dual structural control optimization problems for high-order flexible space structures, where reduced-order structural models are employed and minimum mass designs are sought. For a given initial structural design, a quadratic control cost is minimized subject to a constant-mass constraint. The sensitivity of the optimal control cost with respect to the structural design variables is then determined and used to obtain successive structural redesigns, using a constrained gradient optimization algorithm. This process is repeated until the constrained control cost sensitivity becomes negligible. The minimum mass design is obtained by solving a sequence of neighboring optimal constant mass designs, where the sequence of optimal performance indices has a minimum at the optimal minimum mass design. A numerical example is presented which demonstrates that this new approach effectively addresses the problem of dual optimization for potentially very high-order structures.

Messac, A.

Simulation requirements for the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR)

Simulation tools for the large deployable reflector (LDR) are discussed. These tools are often the transfer function variety equations. However, transfer functions are inadequate to represent time-varying systems for multiple control systems with overlapping bandwidths characterized by multi-input, multi-output features. Frequency domain approaches are the useful design tools, but a full-up simulation is needed. Because of the need for a dedicated computer for high frequency multi degree of freedom components encountered, non-real time smulation is preferred. Large numerical analysis software programs are useful only to receive inputs and provide output to the next block, and should be kept out of the direct loop of simulation. The following blocks make up the simulation. The thermal model block is a classical heat transfer program. It is a non-steady state program. The quasistatic block deals with problems associated with rigid body control of reflector segments. The steady state block assembles data into equations of motion and dynamics. A differential raytrace is obtained to establish a change in wave aberrations. The observation scene is described. The focal plane module converts the photon intensity impinging on it into electron streams or into permanent film records.

Soosaar, K.

A large antenna system flight experiment

The design and development of large antenna systems are discussed. The validation objectives and techniques of the structural behavior of the system are outlined along with studies of the dynamics, deployment, and unpacking. The validation of flexible control and system performance are also considered.

Soosaar, K.

Active large structures

Some performance requirements and development needs for the design of large space structures are described. Areas of study include: (1) dynamic response of large space structures; (2) structural control and systems integration; (3) attitude control; and (4) large optics and flexibility. Reference is made to a large space telescope.

Soosaar, K.

Structural evaluation of candidate designs for the large space telescope primary mirror

Structural performance analyses were conducted on two candidate designs (Itek and Perkin-Elmer designs) for the large space telescope three-meter mirror. The mirror designs and the finite-element models used in the analyses evaluation are described. The results of the structural analyses for several different types of loading are presented in tabular and graphic forms. Several additional analyses are also reported: the evaluation of a mirror design concept proposed by the Boeing Co., a study of the global effects of local cell plate deflections, and an investigation of the fracture mechanics problems likely to occur with Cervit and ULE. Flexibility matrices were obtained for the Itek and Perkin-Elmer mirrors to be used in active figure control studies. Summary, conclusions, and recommendations are included.

Soosaar, K.

Analysis and trade-off studies of large lightweight mirror structures

A candidate mirror, hexagonally lightweighted, is analyzed under various loadings using as complete a procedure as possible. Successive simplifications are introduced and compared to an original analysis. A model which is a reasonable compromise between accuracy and cost is found and is used for making trade-off studies of the various structural parameters of the lightweighted mirror.

Soosaar, K.

Optimization studies in the support design for the Large Space Telescope.

A two-stage computer-oriented process is described to design the optimum mirror supports for the NASA Large Space Telescope. Using an element model for the mirror, a set of support displacements is determined so as to minimize the rms optical surface disturbances with respect to a best-fit surface. The second stage uses the STRUDL II-STOP finite element optimization system (a branch and bound approach) to obtain a minimum weight design for the support structure subject to the displacement constraints.

Cella, A.

Design of optical mirror structures

The structural requirements for large optical telescope mirrors was studied with a particular emphasis placed on the three-meter Large Space Telescope primary mirror. Analysis approaches through finite element methods were evaluated with the testing and verification of a number of element types suitable for particular mirror loadings and configurations. The environmental conditions that a mirror will experience were defined and a candidate list of suitable mirror materials with their properties compiled. The relation of the mirror mechanical behavior to the optical performance is discussed and a number of suitable design criteria are proposed and implemented. A general outline of a systematic method to obtain the best structure for the three-meter diffraction-limited system is outlined. Finite element programs, using the STRUDL 2 analysis system, were written for specific mirror structures encompassing all types of active and passive mirror designs. Parametric studies on support locations, effects of shear deformation, diameter to thickness ratios, lightweight and sandwich mirror configurations, and thin shell active mirror needs were performed.

Soosaar, K.