Performance of the Large Binocular Telescope's hydrostatic bearing system

James Howard; David Ashby; Jonathan Kern

doi:10.1117/12.857631

6 August 2010 Performance of the Large Binocular Telescope's hydrostatic bearing system

James Howard, David Ashby, Jonathan Kern

Proceedings Volume 7733, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes III; 773358 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857631
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Large Binocular Telescope's hydrostatic bearing system is operational, and tuning for optimal performance is currently underway. This low friction system allows for the precise control of the 700 ton telescope at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +25°C. It was a challenge to meet the performance requirements on such a massive telescope with a wide range of operating temperatures. This required changes to the original design, including significantly improving oil temperature control, and adding variable capillary resistors to allow for precise flow control to each pocket on each bearing. We will present a system description and report on lessons learned.

Citation Download Citation

James Howard, David Ashby, and Jonathan Kern "Performance of the Large Binocular Telescope's hydrostatic bearing system", Proc. SPIE 7733, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes III, 773358 (6 August 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857631

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