[ATM] Mirror Edge Support Calculator

["Robert Houdart" <robert.houdart@cruxis.be>]

As a concrete result of the discussions on the Yahoo bigdob list, I've
put a mirror edge support calculator on-line.
 
See http://www.cruxis.com/scope/mirroredgecalculator.htm .
 
Simply enter the mirror diameter, edge thickness and focal ratio, and
click a button to compute the RMS surface error for the edge support
configuration.
 
The calculator currently works for focal ratios between 3 and 10, and
mirror thickness ratios between 6 and 25. In this first version three
different support configurations are available: cable sling, 90° edge
posts and 45° whiffletree.
 
For each support configuration a considerable number of FE Analyses have
been run for a 1000 mm diameter mirror. Using appropriate interpolation
and scaling factors, the results have been extended to intermediate
focal ratios, mirror thickness and other diameters.
 
I also plan to add some less than perfect configurations with offsets
from the center of gravity and out-of-plane forces. The "glued back"
case would also be very interesting.
 
Looking forward to your comments,
 
Robert Houdart
www.cruxis.com/scope/scope1100.htm
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