Structural analysis of the mirror of the University of Texas 7.6 M Telescope

Physics

Scientific paper

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Finite Element Method, Mirrors, Structural Analysis, Supports, Telescopes, Ambient Temperature, Aspect Ratio, Borosilicate Glass, Mass, Menisci, Silica Glass, Temperature Gradients, Thermal Stresses, Thin Plates

Scientific paper

A finite element model using an assemblage of plate elements with membrane stress for a 7.6 meter diameter meniscus mirror is examined 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 make clear the necessity of laterally suspending the mirror from a set of points in its midsurface. A map is presented of the heat distribution through the thickness of the meniscus for a typical ambient temperature change and an assumed air conditioning capacity. The map derives from the solution of a one-dimensional thermal analysis. An equivalent thermal gradient is then derived. A thermal edge effect is found, due mostly to the extreme aspect ratios involved, both for fused silica and for Pyrex. The analysis shows the extent to which edge control becomes necessary with a higher expansion coefficient.

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