Large Size Telescope camera support structures for the Cherenkov Telescope Array

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and performance analysis of the camera support structures for the CTA Large Size Telescopes, emphasizing lightweight, stability, and strength using CFPR technology to meet scientific goals like Gamma Ray Burst detection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel support structure design based on elliptical arches reinforced with CFPR, optimized for stability, weight, and rapid stabilization in CTA LSTs.

Findings

Structures meet minimal displacement requirements

Design achieves weight reduction and strength goals

Supports rapid dynamic stabilization for scientific observations

Abstract

The design of the camera support structures for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) Large Size Telescopes (LSTs) is based on an elliptical arch geometry reinforced along its orthogonal projection by two symmetric sets of stabilizing ropes. The main requirements in terms of minimal camera displacement, minimal weight, minimal shadowing on the telescope mirror, maximal strength of the structures and fast dynamical stabilization have led to the application of Carbon Fibre Plastic Reinforced (CFPR) technologies. This work presents the design, static and dynamic performance of the telescope fulfilling critical specifications for the major scientific objectives of the CTA LST, e.g. Gamma Ray Burst detection.