2006-09-14
Thermal deformations of T-shaped, L-shaped and channel shaped structures are discussed. The work shows that the deformation could become significant for precison instruments if the width of the top plate is more than 1 m. It also shows that using CFRP beams or tubes to connect the top and the bottom skins of the top sandwiched plate is not a helpful practice. The resultant deformation will be worse than that of the bottom surface of the top plate.
View a pdf version of ALMA Memo #557.
alma-memos@nrao.edu