Integrated modeling methodology validation using the micro-precision interferometer testbed: assessment of closed-loop performance prediction capability

This paper validates the integrated modeling methodology used for design and performance evaluation of complex opto-mechanical systems, particularly spaceborne interferometers. The methodology integrates structural modeling, optical modeling, and control system modeling and design into a common environment, the Integrated Modeling of Optical Systems (IMOS) software package. The validation uses the micro-precision interferometer (MPI) testbed, a ground-based, full-scale hardware model of a spaceborne interferometer. Parallel development of the MPI testbed and an MPI integrated model enabled a unique opportunity to validate the modeling methodology with actual testbed measurements. This paper assesses the ability of the integrated modeling methodology to predict performance in a closed-loop configuration. The assessment is a comparison of integrated model closed-loop predictions with MPI testbed closed-loop measurements, indicating that the integrated modeling methodology is accurate to within a factor of three.