Fig. 1. Rendered images for the extremely large telescopes. (a) Thirty Meter Telescope; (b) Extremely Large Telescope; (c) Giant Magellan Telescope

Fig. 2. Design and optimization of trussed supporting structure for the primary mirror of TMT

Fig. 3. Steel frame bridge supporting structure for the primary mirror of E-ELT

Fig. 4. Sheet metal welding support structure for the primary mirror of GMT

Fig. 5. Concept design for the main truss structure of 30 m CFGT

Fig. 6. Concept design for the primary M1 cell structure of 30 m CFGT telescope

Fig. 7. Mode shapes for pointing to zenith. (a) Mode 1, 2.3 Hz; (b) Mode 2, 2.4 Hz; (c) Mode 3, 2.5 Hz

Fig. 8. Mode shapes for pointing to horizon. (a) Mode 1, 2.1 Hz; (b) Mode 2, 2.2 Hz; (c) Mode 3, 2.4 Hz

Fig. 9. Original elevation lateral bearings hydraulic whiffletree

Fig. 10. Latest elevation lateral bearings hydraulic whiffletree arrangement

Fig. 11. Gravitational deformation distributions pointing at zenith and horizon. (a) Pointing to zenith; (b) Pointing to horizon

Fig. 12. Relative deformation along Z-axis and equivalent stress for the trussed supporting structure of the primary mirror M1. (a) Relative deformation along the Z-axis; (b) Equivalent stress

Fig. 13. Displacement distribution due to temperature and static wind for configuration. (a) Temperature gradient of 0.12 °C/m along the Z-axis; (b) Static wind 10 m/s