A Structural Design and a Dynamical Analysis of an Experimental Parabolic-Cylinder Radio Antenna at Tianlai

A large radio interference array of many feeds is required for carrying out large-area radio surveys, precisely measuring cosmological large-scale structures, and detecting dark energy in the Universe. This paper presents a structural design of a parabolic-cylinder antenna to be fit into such a large radio interference array, which is planned to be built at Tianlai in the Xinjiang Autonomous District of China. We have constructed a finite-element model of the antenna. Using the model we have calculated and analyzed deformation patterns of the antenna exerted by gravitational weights and winds, with the gravitational weights being of the antenna itself and covering snow. Our simulations show that deformation levels on the antenna surface are small under various conditions, and meet technical requirements. Therefore, our designed structure is feasible, stable, and reliable.