ATST telescope pier

Paul Jeffers; Eric Manuel; Oliver Dreyer; Hans Kärcher

doi:10.1117/12.923831

17 September 2012 ATST telescope pier

Paul Jeffers, Eric Manuel, Oliver Dreyer, Hans Kärcher

Proceedings Volume 8444, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes IV; 84440L (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.923831
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2012, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

The Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) will be the largest solar telescope in the world with a 4m aperture primary mirror. The off axis nature of the telescope optical layout, has the proportions of an 8 metre class telescope. Accordingly the instrumentation for solar observations a 16m diameter co-rotating laboratory (Coude Rotator) is also located within the telescope pier. The pier has a lower cylindrical profile with an upper conical section to support both the telescope mount with a 9m bearing diameter and contain the 16m diameter Coudé rotator. The performance of this pier cannot be considered in isolation but must account for ancillary equipment, access and initial installation. The Coude rotator structure and bearing system are of similar size to the telescope base structure and therefore this is the proverbial 'ship in a bottle' problem. This paper documents the competing requirements on the pier design and the balancing of these as the design progresses. Also summarized is the evolution of the design from a conceptual traditional reinforced concrete pier to a composite concrete and steel framed design. The stiffness requirements of the steel frame was a unique challenge for both the theoretical performance and overall design strategy considering constructability. The development of design acceptance criteria for the pier is discussed along with interfacing of the AandE firm responsible for the pier design and the telescope designer responsible for the telescope performance.

Citation Download Citation

Paul Jeffers, Eric Manuel, Oliver Dreyer, and Hans Kärcher "ATST telescope pier", Proc. SPIE 8444, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes IV, 84440L (17 September 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.923831

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