Low Cost, Light Weight Materials for Mirrors

During the phase I program Northwestern and APS, Inc., have manufactured several different materials systems that are lighter than Beryllium and stiffer than Aluminum. These high specific strength materials are also easily fabricated into larger shapes or even net shape processed. The mechanical (tensile and modulus) and thermal physical (CTE, thermal conductivity) property data for several systems never before manufactured, will be presented as well as fabricated coupons, mirrors, structures and other parts will be available for review. Several different diameter parts ranging for 3" to 11" have been demonstrated. These various extremely lightweight systems are easily machined, threaded/joined and have highly variable properties, including variations of thermal conductivity, and radiation hardening/protection capabilities. Phase II will continue with this success for mirrors an dlightweight structure.