Design Optimization Model for a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope ME 590 Final Report

The goal of this project is to create a medium-sized multidisciplinary design optimization model that displays strong interactions in-between design variables. This model will be inputted into an automated coordination composition method that will show the tradeoffs of decomposing the problem in different arrangements. A telescope product is used for the model. The telescope model chosen for this application is a consumer telescope consisting of two mirrors and a lens that an amateur astronomer could build. The telescope model includes several different disciplines. First, the optics discipline is represented through a ray-tracing program which takes the system components and predicts the first-order and third-order optics. Next, a thermal subsystem represents the thermal displacement of several telescope parts as they are exposed to different thermal environments. Then, the performance of the system with manufacturing tolerances of several parts is examined with a cost model of the materials and manufacturing tolerances were developed to help show the ’price’ for using more materials or tighter manufacturing tolerances. Finally, the tripod structure holding the telescope is modeled. The tripod is designed not to buckle, be tipped over easily, or easily clamp the telescope in position. In conclusion the model has many different disciplines which should be able to be decomposed in different arrangements, thus showing the advantages of the optimal decomposition method.