The next series in which I'd like to begin the new year with involves unique projects that involve modern marvels in science, engineering, and excellence. There are a multitude of fascinating technologies out there and not just technologies, but manufacturing processes that are brilliant. They have allowed one to build bigger, to build stronger, and to reduce tolerances to new extremes than ever before. Naturally, as an engineer myself, I am gravitated to such advancements with the wonder of a child. This is the motivation for me to start this series.
Now, let's begin with today's article I came across in Scientific American titled, " How to Build an 80-Foot-Wide Telescope Mirror to See Deep Space." The best part is there is an awesome video that shows a time-lapse of how they construct just one of the mirrors for this huge telescope. I'd like to highlight a few things. The process alone to be able to construct such a large mirror is outstanding. The way they shape the mirror in the ceramic mold. The honeycomb structure. The giant furnace itself. The steel structure to lift the glass. Understanding the chemistry behind melting the glass and how long they need to cool it to the degree over a period of months to get the exact hardness required. Utterly fantastic. Fun video to watch too.
Until next time! Au revoir!
Now, let's begin with today's article I came across in Scientific American titled, " How to Build an 80-Foot-Wide Telescope Mirror to See Deep Space." The best part is there is an awesome video that shows a time-lapse of how they construct just one of the mirrors for this huge telescope. I'd like to highlight a few things. The process alone to be able to construct such a large mirror is outstanding. The way they shape the mirror in the ceramic mold. The honeycomb structure. The giant furnace itself. The steel structure to lift the glass. Understanding the chemistry behind melting the glass and how long they need to cool it to the degree over a period of months to get the exact hardness required. Utterly fantastic. Fun video to watch too.
Until next time! Au revoir!