STAR Module in Zemax OpticStudio bridges optical design with thermal and structural analysis by allowing deformation data from finite element analysis (FEA) software to be directly imported. This integration enables analyzing the impact of real-world environmental factors, such as heat and mechanical stress, on optical performance. The module is helpful for understanding how optical systems behave under varying conditions and making informed design decisions to ensure robustness and reliability.
The key feature of STAR module is thermal and structural data import, which directly imports thermal and structural deformation data from FEA tools like ANSYS, COMSOL. It allows simulating the effects of temperature gradients, mechanical loads, and stresses on optical components. The STAR module also evaluates how deformations influence system performance metrics such as wavefront error, MTF, and beam alignment.
Here is an example of how to load and align FEA data into STAR module. First open the optical model in OpticStudio, together with a wavefront map setting.
The STAR Data is set as On to make FEA data effective on the optical structure.
With such setting, the wavefront map is presented as contour below:
While loading FEA data, the Multiphysics Data Loader (as highlighted below) is selected.
Then the empty Multiphysics Data Loader interface is shown below. From there, the prestored multiphysics data can be located by click “Load Multiphysics Data”.
While the multiphysics data include deformation data and temperature data, when loading, they are automatically separated and aligned into both groups.
Next step is to align each multiphysics data to corresponding surfaces by assigning surfaces to datasets using dropdown manuals. In this case, the file names already included surface number, which is directly related to the target surfaces. Note that if one surface is mistakenly assigned to two surfaces, it is not allowed, and the Data Loader will warn. For temperature datasets, the data type should be “Temperature” rather than “Direct Index”.
After aligning all the FEA datasets, click “OK (Fit FEA Data)” to request system to load FEA datasets.
In the open windows, the wavefront map is updated, with surface deformation impacted by the FEA dataset.
The surface zag of mirror in surface 5 also shows a deformation due to the FEA dataset.
The integrated FEA datasets now enable apply all sequential tools available in Zemax with these deformation effects included.
Ozen Engineering Expertise
Ozen Engineering Inc. leverages its extensive consulting expertise in CFD, FEA, optics, photonics, and electromagnetic simulations to achieve exceptional results across various engineering projects, addressing complex challenges like multiphase flows, erosion modeling, and channel flows using Ansys software.
We offer support, mentoring, and consulting services to enhance the performance and reliability of your hydraulic systems. Trust our proven track record to accelerate projects, optimize performance, and deliver high-quality, cost-effective results for both new and existing water control systems. For more information, please visit https://ozeninc.com
