Presentation

During the feasibility study, a mechanical concept is built around the optical path. At this stage of the design, the main lines are drawn, i.e. the positioning of the optical components and the supporting structure. It is then possible to estimate the external envelope and the mass of the instrument. The designer has access to computer-aided design software (CAD Catia V5), which also allows him to carry out mechanical and thermal pre-dimensioning calculations.
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Various CAD

In the particular case of a space project, various models will be developed during the different phases of the project. These models are more or less detailed mock-ups allowing the validation of the different options retained, whether it be the mechanical concept, the choice of materials or the mechanical strength.
The simplest of these models is the mechano-thermal model known as MT, which is only representative in terms of centre of gravity, inertia and thermal characteristics. The MT makes it possible, at reduced cost and time, to ensure the mechanical and thermal compatibility of the last model, the flight model called MV.
Other intermediate models will allow the functionalities and the external environment to be checked (temperature, vibration, life span, resistance to radiation, etc.). These intermediate models are the integration and qualification models, also called MIQ.
A QIM that is sufficiently close to the MV can be reconfigured into a spare model, or RM.

The design phase itself requires technological knowledge allowing the appropriate choice of materials, the detailed study of the mechanisms, the approach to the mechanical and thermal behaviour of the instrument. Software dedicated to the calculation of structures using the finite element method, such as Nastran, allows the behaviour of structures subjected to different stresses to be simulated. Simulations in linear or non-linear statics, dynamics, shock response, conductive and/or radiative thermics are often essential steps before a design is approved.

The various parts making up the instrument are manufactured on conventional or numerically controlled machine tools. Subcontracting may be required for specific machining operations, such as electro-erosion cutting. All the components of an instrument have a tracking card which is issued as soon as these components are machined. These sheets show all the operations carried out, from the production of the raw material to delivery, thus allowing basic traceability. The most precise parts are controlled by three-dimensional measuring machines (CMM) operating in a clean, thermostatically controlled chamber.

Mechanics are also called upon for the assembly, integration and testing (AIT) phases for which they are best prepared.
Instrument integration activities are among the most important tasks on which the success of the instrumental environment tests and the success of a mission depend.

The use of NX™ Nastran software, a flexible and streamlined interface based on the latest technologies, allows for the continuation and strengthening of integration with the most widely used structural and thermal solvers in simulation.
For CNC machining, the use of various CAM software (CATIA, Esprit) allows a great capacity of implementation.
For three-dimensional measurement, Calypso and PowerInspect software allow not only 3D control of part conformity but also retro-engineering, which is essential for AITs.

Project of a new generation spectro-imager on the TNG (Telescopio Nazionale Galileo). This multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) instrument based on a 2048 x 1080 digital micromirror (DMD), to be mounted on the TNG, is called BATMAN. A two-armed instrument, designed to provide parallel imaging with spectroscopic capabilities. BATMAN will be mounted on the TNG’s Nasmyth platform and rotated during the observation.

The mechanical department supervises trainees throughout the year, from Bac+2 level to engineering schools. Courses are given at the Ecole Centrale de Marseille and in the IOL Master’s programme. Topics include: telescopes, the development of a space instrument, the basics of structural calculations, an introduction to shock calculations, and the thermal control of spacecraft.

La phase de conception proprement dite nécessite des connaissances technologiques permettant le choix adéquat des matériaux, l’étude détaillée des mécanismes, l’approche du comportement mécanique et thermique de l’instrument. Des logiciels dédiés au calcul de structure par la méthode des éléments finis, tels que Nastran, permettent de simuler le comportement de structures soumises à différentes sollicitations. Des simulations en statique linéaire ou non linéaire, dynamique, réponse aux chocs, thermique conductive et/ou radiative sont souvent des étapes indispensables avant approbation d’un concept.

La réalisation des différentes pièces constituant l’instrument se fait sur des machines outils conventionnelles ou à commande numérique. La sous-traitance peut être sollicitée pour des usinages particuliers, comme par exemple la découpe par électroérosion. Tous les constituants d’un instrument possèdent une fiche suiveuse qui est éditée dès lors que ces constituants sont usinés. Sur ces fiches figurent l’ensemble des opérations réalisées, depuis l’obtention du brut jusqu’à la livraison, permettant ainsi une traçabilité élémentaire. Les pièces les plus précises sont contrôlées par des machines à mesurer tridimensionnelle (MMT) opérant dans une enceinte propre thermostatée.

Les mécaniciens sont également sollicités pour les phases d’assemblage, d’intégration et tests (AIT) pour lesquelles ils sont les mieux préparés.