Comparison of Thermal Behavior and Structural Stability of Reflectors According to Cooling System

This study investigates the influence of cooling channel fabrication methods on the thermal and structural stability of high-load reflectors. Two prototypes were compared: Reflector A, featuring cooling pipes welded to the rear surface, and Reflector B, incorporating internal channels created via a gun-drilling process. Thermal performance was evaluated by monitoring temperatures at nine points on both surfaces, and structural integrity was assessed through four-point displacement measurements. Experimental results revealed that Reflector A exhibited a significantly higher surface temperature(approximately 100 °C more than B) and a steeper thermal gradient. Consequently, Reflector A experienced 9 mm more thermal displacement due to increased thermal stress and heat transfer at the weld joints. In contrast, the integrated internal channels in Reflector B provided superior heat dissipation and minimized warping. These findings demonstrate that monolithic cooling structures are essential for maintaining the optical precision and structural reliability of reflectors under high temperature conditions.