Mechanical design considerations unique to giant telescopes

Kerstan G. Hermann; Edward O. Reese; Byron Smith

doi:10.1117/12.457995

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30 January 2003 Mechanical design considerations unique to giant telescopes

Kerstan G. Hermann, Edward O. Reese, Byron Smith

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Proceedings Volume 4840, Future Giant Telescopes; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.457995
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2002, Waikoloa, Hawai'i, United States

Abstract

The success of giant telescopes is dependant not only in the optics design but also in the mechanics and electromechanics configurations. This paper addresses some of the key aspects of mechanical designs that impact this success. Areas investigated include methods for mitigating pointing errors caused by wind, thermal and gravity deflections; bearing and drive selection; and servo control issues. To reduce the cost of the telescope mount, it is hoped that conventional mechanical designs can be used to accomplish the high level of performance needed in the structure and drives area.

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Kerstan G. Hermann, Edward O. Reese, and Byron Smith "Mechanical design considerations unique to giant telescopes", Proc. SPIE 4840, Future Giant Telescopes, (30 January 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.457995

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