Case Study: CNRS-LAM achieves accurate hydroformed optical mirrors with MSC Software Marc

Building the Next-Generation of Optical Mirrors

The Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille (CNRS-LAM), a public research institute in France, faced the challenge of manufacturing complex freeform optical mirrors for astronomical instruments. The traditional method was expensive and slow. Their innovative hydroforming process, which deforms material with high-pressure fluid, required analyzing complex plastic deformation and geometric nonlinearities to predict the final mirror shape with micrometer accuracy. MSC Software's product, Marc, was selected for this advanced simulation work.

MSC Software's Marc solution enabled CNRS-LAM to accurately model the hydroforming process, including material and geometric nonlinearities and the critical springback effect. This allowed the researchers to optimize the process parameters, such as pressure and mold shape, virtually, drastically reducing the time and cost of physical testing. The result was higher quality mirror surfaces for astronomy, paving the way for more advanced and affordable optical instruments.

CNRS-LAM

Zalpha Challita

CNRS-LAM