Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is a technique used in radio astronomy and geodesic applications. In radio astronomy, this technique is used mainly to observe and position the naturally existing or developing objects within the observable universe. It has been also used for many geodesy applications such as global positioning and earth rotation studies, among others. In the current state of the art VLBI system, a typical ground antenna possesses two main positioning axes, namely, the azimuth (primary) and the elevation (secondary). Each axis, has an encoder that is used to estimate the antenna pointing position towards the sky. An independent controller system is usually designed for each positioning axis taking into consideration the multi-body dynamics of the antenna assembly during operation while ignoring its structural flexibilities. Such flexibilities are normally minimized through the development of an over-sized and extremely stiff structural components for the antenna system. However, in more recent years, with the increased data rate at which the antennas need to communicate, the pointing-accuracy has become critical to obtain high quality images. In order to achieve such precision, the effects caused by dynamic disturbances such as thermal expansion and wind turbulence such as gust, need to be properly estimated and suppressed. InterTronic Solutions Inc., in partnership with the Aerospace Structures and Materials Laboratory (ASM-Lab) at Carleton University are taking on the challenge of developing a very high precision ground antenna for the new generation of VLBI system through the integration of high performance active vibration attenuation and control techniques, accounting for dynamic aeroelastic effects and capable of achieving the new stringent design requirement. A multi-objective design optimization platform for the antenna structural and system design will also be built for performance maximization and weight minimization taking into consideration manufacturing constraints for cost effectiveness and reduced environmental footprint. A successful outcome of this research will enable InterTronic Solutions Inc. to increase their international competitiveness and employment rate.*