On the self-weight sag of arch-like structures in the context of light-weight mirror design.
Abstract
It is shown that arched structures are superior to solid disks as substrates for light-weight telescope mirrors. A finite-element formulation for an axisymmetric system is used to obtain self-weight deflections for various structural configurations within the envelope of a solid disk, and the superiority is demonstrated of arch-like designs over solid disks with respect to deflection and weight. Experiments with silicone rubber models confirm the theoretical predictions.
- Publication:
-
Optica Acta
- Pub Date:
- September 1975
- Bibcode:
- 1975AcOpt..22..745T
- Keywords:
-
- Mirrors;
- Reflecting Telescopes;
- Structural Design;
- Structural Weight;
- Arches;
- Diffraction Patterns;
- Finite Element Method;
- Moire Effects;
- Optical Reflection;
- Shadowgraph Photography;
- Silicone Rubber;
- Temperature Gradients;
- Astronomy