Integrated modeling methodology validation using the micro-precision interferometer testbed

This paper validates the integrated modeling methodology used for design and performance evaluation of complex opto-mechanical systems, particularly space-borne interferometers. The methodology integrates structural modeling, optical modeling, and control system design into a common environment, the Integrated Modeling of Optical Systems (IMOS) software package. The validation utilized the /spl mu/icro-precision interferometer (MPI) testbed, a ground-based full-scale hardware model of a spaceborne interferometer. This paper presents a comparison of integrated model predictions with MPI laboratory measurements, indicating that the integrated modeling methodology has the accuracy required to evaluate interferometry mission designs with confidence.