SKA

First CART 10 m prototype composite reflector mounted

At Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO), a prototype 10 metre reflector antenna has been produced as part of a program called Composite Applications for Radio Telescopes (CART). This reflector has an f/D ratio of 0.45 in anticipation of use by phased-array feeds. This reflector was pulled off the mold and raised in September 2007 (see accompanying photographs).

Raising the CART composite reflector.

Using composite materials (a sandwich structure consisting of two layers of resin impregnated high-strength fibres separated by a layer of foam) has the potential of allowing the production of light-weight stiff reflector antennas. It is commonly perceived that composite construction techniques are expensive because the materials are expensive. While it is true that materials such as carbon-fibre cloth is more expensive per kilogram than steel or aluminum, a much lower mass is required (because of the superior strength-to-weight ratio of advanced materials) resulting in a lower total cost.

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