SPIE - Education Finite Element Analysis of Optics SC1120

This course presents the use of finite element methods to model and predict the behavior of optical elements and support structures including lenses, mirrors, windows, and optical mounts in the presence of mechanical and environmental loads. Students will learn general FEA modeling strategies and guidelines specific to optical systems including how to develop low-fidelity models to quickly perform optomechanical design tradeoffs as well as the creation of high-fidelity models to support detailed design. Emphasized will be the application of FEA techniques to meet optical system error budget allocations including mounting tolerances, alignment errors, optical surface distortions, image stability, and wavefront error. In addition, use of FEA to ensure structural integrity requirements including yield, buckling, and fracture will be discussed.