30+inch+F3+Primary+mirror+support+system+design

The Primary mirror support system was developed using PLOP. 18 points was chosen as this provided 3 nanometres RMS error on the surface which is well within the measurement capabilities that I can achieve and well within what is required for excellent images on sky. PLOP on it's own provides the axial support system positions for the mirror support system.

The lateral support is as important as the axial support as you do not have to go far over in altitude before the lateral support is dominant n supporting the majority of the mass of the mirror (cosine of the angle)











The image below is of the completed mirror cell. This cell is mounted within the test rig tube assembly for testing at the moment.

The cell is of a balanced design in that no matter what gravity vector angle the cell is moved the 'triangles' do not move and put unequal load onto the back of the mirror.

Details of the manufacture of this are here:- https://datscope.wikispaces.com/30+inch+F3+Test+Rig