Parabola! (Do doo do do do) Parabola? (do doo doo do)... Hoping for a CAD Master's Interest

[RJSakowski]

The width of the widest point on your gores will be the smallest you can get your spot size. All of the parabola calculations are assuming a continuously curved surface not a series of flats.

If the gores remain flat,that width will add to the caluated spot size of the parabolic mirror. There will not be a distinct image but one which grows less intense as the diameter increases. This may not be an issue depending upon the target design as the target will be reradiating.significant energy.

 

[homebrewed]

The width of the widest point on your gores will be the smallest you can get your spot size. All of the parabola calculations are assuming a continuously curved surface not a series of flats.

Straight to the point! Good one!