On Analysis and Optimization of an Active Cable-Mesh Main Reflector for a Giant Arecibo-Type Antenna Structural System

The active cable-mesh main reflector of a giant Arecibo-type antenna can adjust the illuminated area to a given parabolic surface in time, which is achieved with a flexible cable-mesh structure. This paper addresses the feasibility of the active cable-mesh main reflector, including accuracy adjustment and the influence of the panel curvature. The illuminate area of the reflector needs to be adjusted to a paraboloid, which is implemented by introducing a bias distribution field vector of mesh surface and least norm solution for under-determined equations. Plane panels and spherical panels are investigated. Numerical results show that a much more better surface precision can be obtained using spherical panels