Application of carbon-carbon composite for load-carrying cylinder in lunar optical telescope

Abstract

The carbon-carbon composite (CCC) was applied in order to design and fabricate much more predominant lunar optical telescope (LOT). The fabricating technics of CCC and machining technics of load-carrying cylinder assembly are introduced. The density of CCC is 1.73g/cm3, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is 0.5×10-6/°C. The thermal adaptability of LOT was analyzed, the operating temperature of LOT will be improved to -20°C~+40°C that the carbon-carbon cylinder is used. Finite element analysis of LOT with CCC cylinder was performed, and the results show that the first frequency of LOT is 185Hz. The machining and assembling of LOT have been performed. The vibration testing has been accomplished and the testing results are consistent with finite element analysis. The testing results show that load-carrying cylinder of CCC can stand the mechanical proof. All analysis and testing indicate that CCC can be competent for LOT.