Design of a Carbon Fiber Composite Grid Structure for the GLAST Spacecraft Using a Novel Manufacturing Technique

Technical Report · Mon Apr 12 00:00:00 EDT 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/826881· OSTI ID:826881

Hicks, M

The Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope is an orbital observatory being planned as a joint DOE/NASA mission. The primary support of the instrument requires a grid structure which is very stiff, strong, light-weight, and thermally conductive. A carbon fiber composite grid design using a novel manufacture technique is proposed which meets or exceeds an aluminum design in all performance criteria and is economically competitive as well. Finite element analysis, confirmed by testing of a sample grid, is used to examine trade-offs for the materials and layups. Based on these analyses, recommendations are given for a viable design.

• Research Organization: SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (US)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00515
• OSTI ID: 826881
• Report Number(s): SLAC-R-575; TRN: US200427%%812
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 12 Apr 2004
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
CARBON FIBERS
DESIGN
MANUFACTURING
PERFORMANCE
TELESCOPES
TESTING
GAMMA ASTRONOMY