Re: [ATM] Plop Flop II The Sequel

["James Lerch" <jlerch1@tampabay.rr.com>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jonathan Bishop" <jonathan_bishop@sbcglobal.net>


> James,
>
> So it seems all you "joints" are made from silicon.
> This seems like an easy alternative to building
> mechanical joints. How did it work?
>
> Jon

Well, all things considered, it seems to work well enough.  The 'joy' of such a
thin mirror is the ability for it to quickly tell you all about the quality of
the support mechanisms.

Currently, most of the current error is in edge support.  Gluing the cell
directly to the back of the mirror created horrid cell induced bending moments.

The mirror is currently supported by thin steel sling fabricated from lumber
banding strap.   This thin mirror also taught us a lot about slings as well.
For instance, if you pick three points on the center line of the sling, these
three points define a plane.   The plane must be parallel to the face of the
mirror, and the center line of the sling needs to coincide with CG of the mirror
while on edge.  (all supposition, and subject to correction!)

Bottom line is I think silicone joints seem to work ok in this application.
Your mileage may vary, and I'm certain there are better ideas out there, but few
will be simpler to implement :)

Take Care,
James Lerch
http://lerch.no-ip.com/atm (My telescope construction,testing, and coating site)

"Anything that can happen, will happen" -Stephen Pollock from:
"Particle Physics for Non-Physicists: A Tour of the Microcosmos"

" Press on: nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. "
                                                           Calvin Coolidge


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