PLate OPtimizer
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PLate OPtimizer, or PLOP is a CAD program developed by telescope maker David Lewis, first described in 1999,[1] and used to simplify calculations needed in the design of mirror support cells for telescopes.[2] It was based on Toshimi Taki's 1993 program PLATE[3], however provides a simplified user interface, thus giving it wide acceptance among makers of large Dobsonian telescopes, with good support of mirrors as thin as two inches for a diameter of thirty inches.[4]
PLOP produces less mirror stress than equal area rule calculation: it uses Finite element analysis and can be set to ignore deformation which merely results in refocus of the mirror's parabola.[5] It is useful to calculate floating support points for mirror axial (rear) support however additional tools are needed to calculate potential error from mirror lateral (edge) support.[6] Additionally, PLOP calculations do not overcome error introduced by gluing the mirror to its cell, excessive tightening of edge supports nor impingement of the cell structure onto the mirror as result of differential cooling shrinkage. PLOP is not sufficient for the significantly more complex calculations arising from the support of large honeycomb mirrors nor those using active optics systems.[7]
See also
- Amateur astronomy
- Amateur telescope making
- MATLAB
- Nastran
- Optical aberration
- Optical telescope#Imperfect images
- Reflecting telescope
- Whiffletree
Notes
- ^ Lewis, David (1999), Sky & Telescope (June): 132–135
{{citation}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Holm, Mark. "Mirror Cells for Amateur Telescope Makers". Retrieved May 3, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~zs3t-tk/cell/cell.htm Taki's brief intro to cell design
- ^ Anderson-Lee, Jeff. "Best of 18 and Over - A collection of plop cell designs". Retrieved May 3, 2009.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Atmsite PLOP FAQ
- ^ http://www.cruxis.com/scope/mirroredgecalculator.htm Cruxis site mirror edge support calculator tool
- ^ http://medusa.as.arizona.edu/lbto/tech/ua9502.htm Mirror Support System for Large Honeycomb Mirrors