The FAST telescope in China, the world's largest single aperture radio telescope, provides valuable data for astronomical research with its outstanding observational capabilities. Today, we will delve into the parallel mechanisms in FAST's eye to understand how they achieve dynamic adjustment of the reflective surface shape and the key role of parallel mechanisms in this process.

Dynamic adjustment of reflective surface shape:

Although the main reflective surface is composed of fixed panels, the shape of the local area of the reflective surface can be changed by adjusting the support structure of the panel. Parallel mechanisms are also used in these supporting structures to achieve precise adjustment of the panels. In this way, FAST can dynamically adjust the local curvature of the reflective surface, thereby optimizing the focusing performance of the signal in real-time during the observation process.

This reflective surface adjustment mechanism requires high-precision control, and parallel mechanisms are very suitable for tasks that require precise adjustment due to their high stiffness and positioning accuracy.

Figure 1 Reflection surface

Advantages of Parallel Mechanisms

The application of parallel mechanisms in FAST demonstrates their indispensable role in precision observation equipment. The following are the three major advantages of parallel mechanisms in FAST:

• High precision positioning: Parallel robots have a compact structure, good rigidity, and can achieve high-precision positioning and directional tracking. This is crucial for precision observation equipment such as radio telescopes to ensure the quality of the received radio signals. The parallel mechanism of FAST can precisely control the reflecting surface to achieve optimal reception of signals from distant celestial bodies.
  
• Large carrying capacity: Although parallel robots have a lightweight structure, their carrying capacity is very strong. In FAST, parallel robots successfully supported feed compartments weighing tens of tons and their internal equipment. This powerful load-bearing capacity enables FAST to perform high-precision observations while maintaining structural stability.
  
• Flexibility: Parallel robots have multiple degrees of freedom and can achieve complex three-dimensional movements. This enables FAST to quickly adjust the position and attitude of the feed cabin in different observation directions to meet the observation needs of different celestial bodies. This flexibility is a key factor for FAST to maintain its leading position in space exploration.
  

Application of Parallel Mechanisms in FAST

The application of parallel mechanisms in the FAST feed support system is an important guarantee for achieving high-precision observation. Through the collaborative work of two-stage parallel robots and cable driven systems, FAST is able to accurately capture weak radio signals from distant celestial bodies in the vast expanse of space. This collaborative working mechanism not only improves the accuracy of observations, but also provides valuable observational data for astronomical research.

The parallel mechanism of China's FAST telescope provides strong technical support for astronomical research with its high precision, large carrying capacity, and flexibility. They not only ensure the stability and accuracy of FAST during the observation process, but also provide possibilities for human exploration of the boundaries of the universe.

This article introduces the working principle and advantages of the parallel mechanism in China's FAST telescope, as well as their key role in achieving high-precision observations. The parallel mechanism of FAST not only demonstrates China's technological strength in the field of astronomy, but also provides important contributions to global astronomical research.