The optical system of the Tenerife Microwave Spectrometer: a window for observing the 10–20 GHz sky spectra

The TMS optical system is based on a decentered dual-reflector system in a Gregorian configuration to observe with an angular resolution of less than 2°. The primary goal of the present study is to evaluate the final design and verify that it satisfies the design requirements. We aim for low cross-polarization (-30 dB), low sidelobe (-25 dB) levels, and a stable beam in terms of shape (low ellipticity) and size over a full octave bandwidth (10–20 GHz). We performed both ray-tracing and full-wave simulations using the CST Studio software in order to investigate the system behaviour. We gave special attention to the beam frequency variation and polarization leakage. We have characterized the effects on the radiation pattern produced by the cryostat window. We present the final design of the TMS optical system, as well as a complete study of the system's performance in terms of cross-polarization, sidelobes, ellipticity and beamwidth. We discuss the effects of sidelobes and study the need for a baffle.

New design of large fully-steerable radio telescope reflector based on homogenized mesh structure

The self-weight of a large fully-steerable radio telescope is one of the important factors affecting its performance. In the existing reflector system scheme, the problem of surface accuracy caused by its large and heavy structure has seriously restricted the application and implementation of large radio telescopes. Therefore, a new mesh structure scheme for a large fully-steerable radio telescope reflector is proposed in this paper. This scheme is based on a homogenized mesh back-up structure in the form of a quasi-geodesic grid and regular quasi-tri-prism or tetrahedron, which can significantly reduce the structural complexity and self-weight of the reflector under the condition that the reflector can meet the desired performance requirements. Finally, the feasibility and rationality of the scheme are evaluated by numerical simulation analysis, which has significant advantages and provides a new design for the reflector of a large fully-steerable radio telescope.

Theoretical Deduction of the Optimum Tilt Angles for Small-Scale Linear Fresnel Reflectors

A theoretical justification and computation of the optimum values of the two longitudinal tilt angles of a small-scale linear Fresnel reflector is provided. The optimum angle of the mobile structure is proved to be half the latitude of the geographic location, while the optimum angle of the secondary reflector system is proved to be equal to that latitude. Brute-force verification is carried out for five EU cities, each in one of the five European climate zones.

Enhanced Infrared Heating of Thermoplastic Composite Sheets for Thermoforming Processes

Thermoforming of thermoplastic composites attracts increasing attention in the community due to the mechanical performance of these materials and their recyclability. Yet there are still difficulties concerning the uniformity of the heating and overheating of parts prior to forming. The need for higher energy efficiencies opens new opportunities for research in this field. This is why this study presents a novel experimental method to classify the efficiency of infrared heaters in combination with different thermoplastic composite materials. In order to evaluate this, different organic sheets are heated in a laboratory scale heating station until a steady state condition is reached. This station mimics the heating stage of an industrial composite thermoforming device and allows sheets to slide on top of the pre-heated radiator at a known distance. By applying thermodynamic balances, the efficiency of chosen parameters and setups is tested. The tests show that long heating times are required and the efficiency of the heating is low. Furthermore, the efficiency is strongly dependent on the distance of the heater to the sheet, the heater temperature and also the number of heating elements. Yet, using a full reflector system proves to have a huge effect and the heating time can be decreased by almost 50%.

A Gaussian Beam Mode Analysis Method for 3-D Multi-Reflector Quasi-Optical Systems

3-D quasi-optical systems have a more comprehensive range of application scenarios, and their analysis and design are more complicated than those of 2-D systems. In this work, we improve Gaussian beam mode analysis (GBMA) to analyze 3-D multi-reflector systems. The expressions of co- and cross-polarization and their derivations are given and discussed in detail. Furthermore, several 3-D dual-reflector systems with different rotation angles are chosen as simulation examples to assess the validity and precision of 3-D GBMA compared with physical optics (PO) in the commercial software GRASP10. Furthermore, a 3-D double ellipsoidal reflector system with a π/2 rotation angle operating at 183 GHz is designed, manufactured, and tested. Measured results of the system demonstrate that it is in good agreement with the simulated results of 3-D GBMA and PO for both the co- and cross-polarization. By comparing the computing time performance of 3-D GBMA and PO in GRASP10, the high efficiency of 3-D GBMA is clarified. With 3-D GBMA, the field in 3-D quasi-optical systems can be calculated preciously and rapidly.