The group covers the mechanical design of telescopes and instruments.

Current radio telescopes, often consist of large numbers of sensors. So our mechanics group has extensive knowledge and experience in industrial design. Besides they have a lot of experience in the design of cost effective production of large numbers of telescopes. That includes the strength and stiffness calculations.

The group also has a lot of knowledge about heat and fluid dynamics. This helps to determine and process temperatures of the in- and outside of the instruments in the design.

Knowledge about materials, for example, about electric conduction, is crucial. Also the knowledge of absorption of materials, regarding the interference with the signals received by the antennas is of importance.

All is necessary to create small numbers of antennas that will serve as prototypes. The prototypes will be made in large numbers, which will form the telescope.

Our prototyping group can quickly create parts for prototypes and adapt to perform tests. The large numbers of components are always outsourced to companies. We have many relationships with leading companies in the field of manufacturing and assembly.