Citation
Abstract
Thermal gradients on large DSN antennas may cause small structural deflections which affect the RF gain. These deflections may become very important at the high frequencies encountered in the Ka band. This report discusses an experimental test method employing an imaging infrared radiometer, which promises to yield accurate thermal data for these large antennas in a timely and convenient manner. The ultimate goal is to use the data in structural analysis codes to determine the effects on dish deflection and RF performance, Basic radiometric theory is presented, along with a description of the test apparatus and current experimental test procedures. A sample set of antenna rib temperatures using the developed methodology is also presented.
Details
- Volume
- 42-66
- Published
- December 15, 1981
- Pages
- 67–79
- File Size
- 1.1 MB