ANALYSIS OF THE ALIDADE TEMPERATURE BEHAVIOR OF THE MEDICINA VLBI RADIOTELESCOPE

Upgrading existing radiotelescopes to operate at higher frequencies re quires not only a better reflecting surface accuracy, but also more pr ecise pointing capability. To analyse the thermal behaviour of the 32 metre VLBI parabola at Medicina, we have installed accurate temperatur e sensors on the pedestal beams of the antenna and an inclinometer at the elevation axis. The thermal model presented here, starts from a st ructural Finite Elements Analysis of the radiotelescope and can closel y predict the deformations measured by the inclinometer, even in the w orst solar radiation conditions. This analysis allows also insights in to future improvements.