Daily Image
11-05-2009
The CART Mk2
| Submitter: | Jan Kragt |
| Description: | As can be seen on previous daily images (27-07-2007 and 09-07-2008) the Composite Applications for Radio Telescopes (CART) team of DRAO in Penticton B.C. (Canada) is working on techniques to produce parabolic dishes for radio astronomy using composite materials. ASTRON is participating in this project. The left picture shows the second prototype (Mk2) dish being lifted onto it’s mount in August 2008 (the job was finished just before the thunderstorm broke loose). Laser tracker measurements showed a surface accuracy better than 0.6 mm RMS, an excellent result for a one-piece 10 metre structure. The right picture shows the Mk2 accommodated with a PHAD focal plane array antenna, another DRAO research project as part of the Canadian SKA effort. The telescope is actually being used for astronomical observation. Steady field measurements are being taken to collect data on thermal expansion, deformation and long term behaviour under gravity, wind load and solar radiation, all in relation to the surface accuracy. Research into composite material properties is ongoing. This data will be used to refine the thermal and structural computer models of the current design and to have accurate and reliable data for future designs. Also different concepts are being studied like offset dishes and multi-piece reflectors. |
| Copyright: | DRAO |
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