Mechanical Measurements of the ALMA Prototype Antennas

TL;DR

This paper reports on the mechanical performance measurements of ALMA prototype antennas, including path length, thermal, and bearing performance, under various weather conditions, to evaluate compliance with specifications.

Contribution

It provides detailed mechanical measurements of ALMA prototype antennas and compares them to the specified performance requirements.

Findings

Measurements meet or exceed antenna specifications

Performance varies with weather conditions

Data supports antenna design validation

Abstract

The specifications of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) have placed stringent requirements on the mechanical performance of its antennas. As part of the evaluation process of the VertexRSI and Alcatel EIE Consortium (AEC) ALMA prototype antennas, measurements of the path length, thermal, and azimuth bearing performance were made under a variety of weather conditions and observing modes. The results of mechanical measurements, reported here, are compared to the antenna specifications.