Vibrational analysis of a shipboard free electron laser beam path

Abstract

This thesis explores the deployment of a free electron laser (FEL) weapon system in a shipboard vibration environment. A concept solid model of a shipboard FEL is developed and used as a basis for a finite element model which is subjected to vibration simulation in MATLAB. Vibration input is obtained from ship shock trials data and wave excited motion data from ship motion simulation software. Emphasis is placed on the motion of electron beam path components of the FEL and the feasibility of operation aboard ship. The resulting component motion after passive isolation control is within the amplitudes and frequencies that will allow at sea FEL operation with active electron beam steering.