Configuration and structural characteristics of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) dome

Jose Maria Sarasola; Manel Alcantud

doi:10.1117/12.393955

2 August 2000 Configuration and structural characteristics of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) dome

Jose Maria Sarasola, Manel Alcantud

Proceedings Volume 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393955
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

The GTC dome is a rotary, pre-raised, hemispherical structure with an external radius of 17528 mm. The dome design objectives pursued were as follows: (1) To reduce total weight to a minimum in order to diminish thermal inertia and the power required by dome and observation shutter drive mechanisms. (2) To obtain a rigid structure with high eigenfrequencies to reduce noise reaching the telescope. (3) To ensure good internal ventilation; to this end there are 16 ventilation doors and an air chamber inside the dome wall, and heat insulation on the inside surface of the wall.

Citation Download Citation

Jose Maria Sarasola and Manel Alcantud "Configuration and structural characteristics of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) dome", Proc. SPIE 4004, Telescope Structures, Enclosures, Controls, Assembly/Integration/Validation, and Commissioning, (2 August 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.393955

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