The IOMA course presents opto-mechanical modeling methods used to design and analyze high performance optical systems. The primary goal addresses the integration of thermal and structural responses into optical design software packages to predict optical system performance.

A second emphasis of the course is to discuss thermoelastic and structural modeling methods using finite element tools to analyze and predict the integrity and performance of optical elements and optical support structures. Examples will be drawn from ground-based, airborne, spaceborne, commercial, and military optical systems subject to various optical performance criteria and service environments.

This course is intended for mechanical, structural, thermal, optical, and system engineers interested in learning finite element modeling methods specific to optical systems and techniques to integrate thermal and structural responses into optical design codes. A BS degree in mechanical/civil/optical engineering and a fundamental understanding of the theory and application of the finite element method is highly recommended.