Reaction Structure
Reaction Structure
Application
Science. Near zero CTE antenna segment for large radio telescope.
Previous Limiting Technology
Steel and/or aluminum has too large of a thermal expansion coefficient and would be too heavy for a large, moveable structure.
Challenge
Design and engineer a near zero CTE, out of Autoclave antenna segment while maintaining adequate strength, stiffness, and affordability. A primary target was low cost, a very aggressive target.
Solution
Rock West carefully researched affordable materials that fit into the performance requirements and then created design concepts that kept labor hours restrained. The final design met stiffness, CTE, and cost requirements. Design study, testing, and analysis were incorporated.