STTR Phase II: Predictive Molding of Precision Glass Optics

The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase II project will develop physics based computational models of the glass molding process that accurately predict the shape of the optic from knowledge of the mold geometry, the material properties of the glass, and the molding parameters. The computational models will be developed through systematic characterization of the properties of glasses at high temperatures, and incorporation of the viscoelastic response of the glass with thermal expansions and elastic deflections of the mold and glass. This project will also develop user interface software capable of building the finite element (FE) model directly from user input of coefficients of the industry-standard Asphere Equation and translating results of the FE analysis into Asphere coefficients. The computational tools developed in the proposed research will eliminate the current need for production of more expensive trial mold geometries before discovering the proper mold geometry and processing parameters required to produce in-tolerance optics. The proposed research will allow manufacture of opto-electronic products with superior capabilities compared to those available today. In addition, the project will contribute to the development of science and engineering workforce through training of graduate students at the University of Florida and Clemson University.