Damping of piezoelectric space instruments: application to an active optics deformable mirror

Abstract

This paper presents the shunt damping of a unimorph piezoelectric mirror intended to be used as an active secondary corrector in future space telescopes. We propose to take advantage of the actuation capability of the piezoelectric mirror, to increase its natural damping during the critical launch phase of the spacecraft. The piezoelectric actuators, intended to be used for active optics, are shunted on a passive resistive and inductive RL circuit during the launch operation. The proposed concept is verified numerically and experimentally on a piezoelectric deformable mirror prototype, developed on behalf of the European Space Agency. We show that the shunt damping significantly reduces the response of the most critical mode of the mirror (− 23 dB) as well as the stress in the mirror when subjected to a typical vibro-acoustic launch load. This reduces the risk of damaging the mirror during the delicate launch phase, without increasing the complexity of the design.

Vibration and shock testing of a 50 mm aperture unimorph deformable mirror

“…Previous studies have already presented the successful application of this technique to suppress vibration modes of unimorph mirrors. 6…”

Realization of an autonomous virtual acoustic black hole with piezoelectric patches

“…By connecting a shunt circuit (resistors and/or inductors in series or in parallel) to the transducer, energy dissipation can be achieved. The concept of a resonant piezoelectric shunt was first proposed by Hagood and von Flotow [9] and was exploited in many applications since then [10,11]. It was also used together with an ABH to enhance vibration mitigation [12][13][14].…”

Combined Control for a Piezoelectric Actuator Using a Feed-Forward Neural Network and Feedback Integral Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control

“…In the medical field, PEAs are utilized in devices such as micro-manipulators for minimally invasive surgery, ultrasound imaging equipment, and drug delivery systems [ 6 ]. Furthermore, in aerospace and defense applications, PEAs contribute to tasks such as fine-tuning flight control surfaces, actuation in precision instruments, and vibration isolation in sensitive equipment [ 7 , 8 ]. Overall, PEAs serve as essential components in mechatronic systems, including robotics, enabling precise positioning of robotic arms, grippers, and end-effectors and providing better control motion in various industrial domains [ 9 ].…”