Structural Analysis Of The Mirror Of The University Of Texas 7.6 M Telescope

Frank B. Ray; Anthony Perroni

doi:10.1117/12.933522

4 November 1982 Structural Analysis Of The Mirror Of The University Of Texas 7.6 M Telescope

Frank B. Ray, Anthony Perroni

Proceedings Volume 0332, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes I; (1982) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.933522
Event: 1982 Astronomy Conferences, 1982, Tucson, United States

Abstract

A finite element model using an assemblage of plate elements with membrane stress for a 7.6 meter diameter meniscus mirror was extensively explored, for aspect ratios in the range of 50 to 75, and for various materials. Analyses of the support forces necessary for the meniscus shape and a possible design of the mirror cell revealed the necessity of laterally suspending the mirror from a set of points in its midsurface. A map of the heat distribution through the thickness of the meniscus for a typical ambient temperature change and an assumed air conditioning capacity is presented, derived from the solution of a one-dimensional thermal analysis. An equivalent thermal gradient is derived. A thermal edge effect was found, mostly due to the extreme aspect ratios involved, both for fused silica and for pyrex. Edge control becomes particularly necessary with a higher expansion coefficient, and the analysis shows to what extent.

Citation Download Citation

Frank B. Ray and Anthony Perroni "Structural Analysis Of The Mirror Of The University Of Texas 7.6 M Telescope", Proc. SPIE 0332, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes I, (4 November 1982); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.933522

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