Abstract
Several applications, both on the ground and in space, are envisaged for large, light parabolic reflectors which are compact when folded. In this paper the aim is to calculate by a differential method the deformed meridian line and the creased zone of an elastic inflatable revolution membrane. Conversely, one can calculate the original meridian line which, under a given pressure, transforms into a selected meridian line, in this case parabolic. The theory is confirmed by the deformation measurements of a cap in 36-μm thick polyester film cut out of a sphere 4 m in diameter.
© 1981 Optical Society of America
Full Article | PDF ArticleMore Like This
Petr Pokorný, Filip Šmejkal, Pavel Kulmon, Pavel Novák, Jiří Novák, Antonín Mikš, Martin Horák, and Milan Jirásek
Appl. Opt. 56(21) 5939-5947 (2017)
Joris J. J. Dirckx and Willem F. Decraemer
Appl. Opt. 30(19) 2757-2760 (1991)
Petr Pokorný, Filip Šmejkal, Pavel Kulmon, Pavel Novák, Jiří Novák, Antonín Mikš, Martin Horák, and Milan Jirásek
Appl. Opt. 56(34) 9368-9376 (2017)