CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF REFLECTOR STRUCTURE FOR THE LARGE ADAPTIVE REFLECTOR TELESCOPE

SUMMARY
The Large Adaptive Reflector (LAR) is a very large radio telescope proposed by the Dominion Radio and Astrophysical Observatory. The ground-based reflector structure is 300m in diameter, and “adaptive” in nature allowing it to be configured in a continuous range of parabolic shapes to within 9mm surface accuracy. The driving factor in the conceptual design is minimizing the cost per unit area while meeting the surface accuracy requirements under a wide range of operating conditions. Since an adaptive structure of this magnitude is unprecedented, solutions cannot be easily derived from existing structures. Therefore, the methodology of converging towards a design solution must involve creativity, as well as a systematic way of eliminating less optimal solutions. Methods of structural fabrication and actuation of the structure are also considered as part of this research.

PUBLICATIONS
The research described above has not yet been published.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?  
Nathan is currently working at Vancouver steel fabricator, AMEC Dynamic Structures. Over the past several years he has been involved in design/build projects at AMEC, including amusement rides for Disneyland and Universal Studios. Currently Nathan is heavily involved in the design of the structural steel and mechanical systems for the ambitious Thirty Meter Telescope project – the largest optical telescope in the world – slated for construction beginning in 2009. Nathan is also pursuing a Ph.D. under the continuing supervision of Dr. Stiemer. His area of research applies artificial intelligence techniques to the conceptual design problems.