Segmental reflective mirror mfr. for reflective telescope - uses computer evaluation of thermal expansion coefficient vectors to select positioning of mirror segments for min. distortion

摘要

The reflective mirror is formed using a number of mirror segments which are fused together to provide the required mirror surface area. The square sum of the displacements for a number of test points over the mirror surface are determined as a function of the thermal expansion coefficient vectors, with components relating to the thermal expansion coefficients of each mirror segment and the thermal expansion coefficients of all mirror segments. The component positions relate to the mirror segment positions. A computer uses these thermal expansion coefficient vectors to select the min. square sum. The mirror segments are welded together in the corresponding positions. ADVANTAGE - Ensures min. mirror distortion of large dia. mirror used for reflective telescope.