Amorphous Metals for Opto-Mechanical Fixtures and Mechanisms, Year 1
Project Description
Develop a technology to form low cost; high-precision mirror assemblies from Amorphous Metals: Take AMs from TRL-1 to TRL-3 in FY12,Fabricate a reproducible isogrid backing from AM; Form a near-optically smooth surface with curvature in a one-step casting process; Develop a composite with a controllable CTE by adding negative CTE second phase particles; Investigate casting methods (forging, casting, etc.), Develop new IP on materials and processes, Engage with industry to work towards scale-up. The new JPL Metallurgy Facility is a small-scale foundry-type laboratory with capabilities for fabricating new metal alloys and metal-matrix-composites, casting prototypes, and performing mechanical testing.
More »Anticipated Benefits
This RT&D project could revolutionize the way small mirrors are fabricated for spacecraft (JPL, NASA, commercial or military). Amorphous metals can be formed into atomically smooth mirrors with the correct curvature in a single casting step (little or no polishing). High stiffness, low density isogrids can be cast (nearly impossible to replicate with a different metal). AM composites can be designed to have controllable CTE. AM's are perfect for optical mechanisms (due to their elasticity) and can be joined seamlessly. AM coatings have excellent reflectivity and are scratch resistant
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | Lead Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Pasadena, California |
| California Institute of Technology (CalTech) | Supporting Organization | Academia | Pasadena, California |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Supporting Organization | Academia | Los Angeles, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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California
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.