Optimization of Cellular Beam Control Systems

Cornerstone Research Group (CRG) will demonstrate application of an existing in-house design tool for generation of cellular lightweight and jitter mitigating support structures and mechanisms for a high energy laser directed energy beam control system. By performing topology optimization of additively manufactured conformal lattice structures, the overall mass can be significantly reduced while also driving the design to geometries exhibiting vibration damping by taking advantage of unique design methodologies. During Phase I, CRG added a new vibration mitigation objective to the design methodology specifically well suited for beam control design based on identified requirements and experimentally evaluated an applicable geometry using the in-house design tool showing favorable vibration characteristics and successful mass reduction. Phase II will expand the design activities to a full beam control system by applying the design methodology to selected sub-components with operationally relevant testing while also refining the capabilities of the design methodology and associated design tool. Approved for Public Release | 22-MDA-11102 (22 Mar 22)