135 FEM Analysis of CFRP Truss Pipes Structure for the Space Telescope
Details
In order to evaluate the strength of the CFRP truss pipes which support space telescope, an efficient NASTRAN finite element analysis model (FEM) was developed. By limiting detailed modeling to specific regions of interest, it was possible to verify the integrity of the structure under complex constraint and loading conditions. Requirements for the pipes are extremely low thermal deformation of less than 0.1 ppm/K, lightness, and extremely high axial strength. We measured CTE, strain, and axial strength. Comparing FEM analysis result with test result, we could make it possible to use CFRP truss pipes for the structure of space telescope.
