In previous studies, the pressure distribution on optical mirror surface was measured by CFD analysis assuming various external air conditions on optical structures designed using knowledge-based design techniques. In this study, the KBD model was verified by comparing the pressure data from the mirror surface obtained through CFD analysis with the pressure values from the wind tunnel test of the actual model.

The performance of ground-based optical structures is highly sensitive to external environments, such as airflow in open space. In this paper, initial aerodynamic data due to ambient air flow were analyzed in optical models designed through knowledge-based design algorithm, and dynamic data acting on optical structures in turbulent flow with velocity of 50m/s were analyzed to present the initial shape design conditions of the structures. The simulation results showed that the maximum pressure, minimum pressure, and maximum differential pressure acting on the mirror are directly proportional to the sweep angle.

This paper describes a development of design tool for knowledge based engineering(KBE) that covers structural, aerodynamic, and optical analysis of large-scale telescope structures. A module of the commercial program Adaptive Modeling Language(AML) was used to develop a knowledge-based design tool that reflects the design of parameters for rapid design change and analysis. Through this study, it is proposed a design tool with a knowledge based engineering and a function based design technique. The knowledge based engineering design is good at frequent design changes, and it is effective to extract a core design behavior from previous designs. It is concluded that the developed tool can bring fair effects in implementing a time and cost-effective design environment.