Gravitational Deformation Measurement Method for the Main Reflector and Sub-reflector of the 70 m Antenna by Laser Scanner. (1st September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fu, Lian-Bo; Liu, Jian-Jun; Yan, Wei; Kong, De-Qing; Ren, Xin; Liu, Chen-Di; Zhang, Hong-Bo
• Is Part Of: Research in astronomy and astrophysics. Volume 22:Number 9(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-01
• Subjects: telescopes -- techniques: radar astronomy -- planets and satellites: detection; Astronomy -- Periodicals; Astrophysics -- Periodicals; 520.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1674-4527/ac6e5a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1674-4527

Abstract

Abstract: Large antennas play an important role in deep space exploration and astronomical research. However, their performances are inevitably affected by the main reflector surface deformation and sub-reflector displacement resulting from the factors of wind, temperature, and gravity, among which the effect of gravity is especially pronounced. In this work, a three-dimensional laser scanner was employed to measure the main reflector and sub-reflector gravitational deformation of the Tianjin 70 m antenna at different elevation angles. Here, we solved the antenna main reflector deformation and sub-reflector displacement, and analyzed the deformation law of the antenna under the action of gravity. A new measurement method of antenna main reflector deformation and sub-reflector displacement is realized by mutual verification of the measured results and theoretical simulations. This method will help to improve the antenna performance and provide a reference to optimize the design of large-aperture antennas.