Design of Thermal Actuator for Correcting Misalignment in Optics of Space Telescopes

Abstract

There are two types of actuators such as: linear actuator and rotary actuator. Basically, linear actuators are used for the actuation such as lifting, switching, moving etc. But when we use the actuator for the correction of misalignment, it requires precision in output. Recently there are many types of actuators available in market such as brushless DC motors, stepper motors, shape memory alloys, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, piezoactuator, thermal actuators etc. Depending on type of applications, different actuators are used; such as, for space application, mostly Piezo based actuators are used because of the space environment criteria. Motors are less used in space application due to non-linearity such as backlash, friction, wear and tear. But due to the non-linearity like hysteresis and creep in piezo actuator in most recent space applications thermal actuators are used. Thermal actuator works on the principal of thermal expansion of material due to temperature changes. Design of thermal actuator for space application is discussed in this paper.

Keywords: Space applications, thermal actuator, temperature, motors

Cite this Article

Piyush Gopani, Shubham Rupani. Design of Thermal Actuator for Correcting Misalignment in Optics of Space Telescopes. Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science and Technology. 2017; 6(1): 1–4p.