A new bi-directional giant magnetostrictive-driven compliant tensioning stage oriented for maintenance of the surface shape precision

Membrane mirror, known for its perspicuous feature of light weight, high packaging efficiency, low manufacturing cost and etc., has been widely used in the precision optical instruments, such as the primary mirror applied on a space telescope. However, how to maintain the membrane mirror's surface shape precision at a high level is still a challenging problem. Therefore, a bi-directional giant magnetostrictive-driven compliant tensioning stage is proposed in this research, and the basic performance of the stage is studied through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental investigations. First, the performance requirements and conceptual design are presented and illustrated in detail. Second, the Pseudo Rigid Body Model method is selected as the basis of further investigating the stage and the dynamic model is established through Lagrange's equation. Meanwhile, numerical simulations are performed to analyze the basic performances. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and based on this device, some experiments are conducted. The results indicate that the developed tensioning stage is able to achieve the desired capability and could effectively maintain the surface shape precision.