Thermal and Structural Analysis and Design
The staff of Michigan Aerospace Corporation has experience in thermal and structural analysis and design of a variety of systems
that have presented unusual challenges. Most of these have been in the area of satellite thermal systems, wind LIDAR systems, and
integrated optics assemblies, but other examples include applications involving cryogenic cooling of detector electronics in
interferometer systems, heat removal from avionics on aircraft, improving the efficiency of cooling systems for large video
display boards, and HVAC design considerations for laboratory installations of interferometers and lasers. Capabilities include
analytical, numerical, experimental and finite element expertise.
We use the latest versions of MSC NASTRAN and COSMOS to perform finite element analyses to characterize static structural
behavior, vibration frequency response and thermal effects of all of the systems we design. We use MSC.ADAMS software to create
dynamic computer models for virtual prototyping and testing as well as dynamic simulation of environmental effects and internal
interactions of components. Failure modes and effects analyses are used to perform risk mitigation and to produce leading-edge
solutions that exceed customer expectations.
On the top is an image from a thermal analysis of a beam extender and CLIO optical assembly in a LIDAR receiver. On the
bottom is an image from a shock analysis of a fold-mirror mount.

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