Numerical simulations of airflow in very large telescope enclosures

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can provide critical information in the design of enclosures for extremely large telescopes (ELTs). The issues of air exchange, dome seeing, wind loading on telescope structures, and structurally induced turbulence can all be addressed by CFD calculations at a small fraction of the cost and effort required to obtain similar information from wind or water tunnel tests. Information of these and other enclosure and dome seeing issues are essential in establishing effective enclosure designs and in implementing integrated models that will optimize telescope performance. In this presentation we provide sample results from a preliminary reconnaissance of some representative enclosure designs under a variety of initial conditions. In particular, results will be shown for a nominal ELT enclosure of 90 m diameter and for the enclosure used for the Gemini South telescope. Both designs were evaluated under a variety of operating conditions that include different venting conditions, telescope zenith angle, and relative wind direction.