The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT): hydrostatic constraints

Steve Gunnels

doi:10.1117/12.857513

6 August 2010 The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT): hydrostatic constraints

Steve Gunnels

Proceedings Volume 7733, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes III; 77334Z (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857513
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is an optical-infrared 25 Meter ELT to be located in Chile. It is being designed and constructed by a group of U.S. and international universities and research institutions¹. Structural performance of large telescopes can be enhanced significantly with the added stiffness that results from distributing loads to many points in the structure. In defining the two rotating assemblies in an altitude-over-azimuth mount more than a kinematic set of constraints can lead to hydrostatic bearing oil film failure due to unintended forces that result from runner bearing irregularities. High Frequency Over Constraint (HFOC) increases stiffness without risk of oil film failure. It was used successfully on the Magellan 6.5 Meter Telescopes. GMT will employ this and two additional methods to enhance stiffness at frequencies from DC wind up through the telescope primary mode frequencies of ~11 Hz. This will be achieved without excessive hydrostatic bearing pad forces. Detailed discussion of GMT's hydrostatic constraints, azimuth track and optics support structure (OSS) runner bearing illustrations, and performance criteria are provided for the design.

Citation Download Citation

Steve Gunnels "The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT): hydrostatic constraints", Proc. SPIE 7733, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes III, 77334Z (6 August 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857513

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