Smart Telescope for Astronomy

In this paper, we present the preliminary design of a smart telescope, i.e. an optomechanical device whose structure is able to monitor external loads (gravity, wind, thermal gradients, displacements caused by earthquake) and actively adapt to them in order to correct misalignments. To obtain that, the final solution will foresee the use of smart materials, or rather integrated smart structures containing sensors (such as fibre optics), and actuators (shape memory alloys or piezoelectric). Starting from the optical design, where the primary mirror is supposed to be in the class of 60cm diameter, with this work we illustrate the mechanical design philosophy. The basic idea is to conceive of a "low-performance" telescope from the stability point of view, in order to emphasize the environmental loads contributions, show that it is possible to correct them a posteriori, and generalize the results for more optimized structures (Serrurier-like). Therefore, it is shown the finite element model of a first naked version of the telescope (without smart structures), useful to know the displacements caused by predictable loads. In this first design phase, the secondary mirror re-centering is taken into account as a study case: to achieve the goal, Macro Fibre Composite piezoelectric actuators have been selected.