Re: [ATM] Basic mirror support question...

["Vladimir Galogaza" <vladimir.galogaza@zg.htnet.hr>]

Hi Patrick,

>Why then wouldn't a flat, continuous surface (ideally an
>infinite number of points) give the best support?

It will.
But  there is no such surface that will exactly match
mirrors back in order to provide infinite number of points.
And if there will be, the chance that mirror will be put
on it always in proper position is nill.

PLOP points after being calculated must be transferred to
mechanical cell construction. The more points the more
difficult is to construct whiffletree cell. There is practical limit.
Smaller number of points in a usual whiffletree cell adjust
themselves to the mirror back even if it is not perfectly planar.
(principle is that 2 or three points are always in contact with any
shape if allowed to move.)

The alternative to the selfadjusting whiffletree floating cell is astatic
lever
cell. While whiffletree cell depends ultimately on its base rigidity,
astatic levers
do not. They adjust themselves according to the mirror load AND
cell flexing.

Is your mirror coated. What do you know about it.

Best regards
Vladimir.




-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.2/253 - Release Date: 7.2.2006

_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/