Design of adaptive optics by interference fitting: Theoretical background

Interference-fit joints are typically adopted to produce permanent assemblies among mechanical parts. The resulting contact pressure is generally used for element fixing or allow load transmission. Nevertheless, some special designs take advantage of the induce desiderata deformation mitigate stress field inside structure. Biased interference fitting between a planar mirror and an external ring could be required curvature realize new adaptive lens optical aberration correction. Recently, thermally-actuated deformable on this principle based, was proposed prototyped. Although feasibility utility such innovative demonstrated, no comprehensive theory developed describe behavior predict their curvature. Nowadays, use approximated numerical approach, as finite method, only way study interaction biased fitted bodies. paper aims give theoretical background correct design actuated by fitting. A formulation prediction compared with analysis available experimental measurements.