Radiation hardness improvements via automated comprehensive system modeling

A collaborative and web-enabled environment is proposed which incorporates workflow and process automation for radiation transport analysis and integrated structural and optical analyses. The environment will automate the translation of design geometry into combinatorial geometry for analysis and the generation of analysis input for radiation transport analysis. It will allow the import of optical system geometry and automate analyses which assess the effects of decenter, tilt, and structural deformation of optical surfaces due to manufacturing tolerances on the overall system performance. The environment will seamlessly link industry proven radiation transport analysis tools, finite element structural solvers, and optical simulation software with common parametric CAD systems within a single object-oriented engineering framework. The environment will have an immediate impact on MDA systems in the design phase in addition to supporting detailed studies for radiation tolerance and optomechanical performance of systems already fielded. The enhanced analytical modeling capability and the rapid engineering environment will allow for assessing design and process alternatives at the earliest stage of the engineering process resulting in reduced system weight and costs, enhanced operation capabilities, and greater design margins. These improvements will have a positive impact on performance, affordability, and effective manufacturing yield. The environment’s benefits will apply to commercial space applications as well as DoD systems.