| Abstract: | Double layers of high‐tensioned textile membranes were applied to the completely open‐foldable dome for the GREGOR telescope for the first time. Simultaneous climate measurements inside and outside the dome have proven the thermalinsulating capability of this double‐layer construction. The GREGOR dome is the result of the continuation of the ESO research on open‐foldable domes with textile structures, followed by the research for the DOT dome with high‐tensioned textile membranes. It cleared the way to extreme stability required for astronomical practice on high mountain sites with heavy storms and ice formation. The storm Delta with 245 km/h 1‐minute mean maximum at the location of the GREGOR caused no problems, nor did other storms afterwards. Opening and closing experiences up to wind speeds of 90 km/h were without problems. New technical developments were implemented and tested at the GREGOR dome, opening the way for application to much larger domes up to the 30 m diameter‐class range (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) |
