Semirigid and adjustable CFRP membrane for radio telescope applications

Daron C. Giles; J. Kibler

doi:10.1117/12.390445

3 July 2000 Semirigid and adjustable CFRP membrane for radio telescope applications

Daron C. Giles, J. Kibler

Proceedings Volume 4015, Radio Telescopes; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390445
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

High accuracy, light-weight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), membrane reflectors have been demonstrated by Composite Optics, Inc. (COI) for applications in ground based, millimeter wave radio astronomy. The surface figure of a semi- rigid membrane can be significantly improved by adjustment with an array of passive adjusters the support the membrane. A factor of ten contour improvement is possible. First, the surface is measured and analyzed for distortion from the desired shape. Then adjustment instructions are calculated by a customized software program and applied to the adjusters. This process is repeated to produce dimensionally stable reflectors, several meters in diameter at or below 25 micrometers RMS.

Citation Download Citation

Daron C. Giles and J. Kibler "Semirigid and adjustable CFRP membrane for radio telescope applications", Proc. SPIE 4015, Radio Telescopes, (3 July 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390445

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