Dynamic simulations, jitter analysis, and vibration budget for tracking performance optimization of the Giant Magellan Telescope mount

Self-induced vibrations along with wind-induced jitter are considered as most limiting factors for the performance of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). The status of dynamic analysis in context of the latest GMT mount design activities is reported. Particular attention is paid to the vibration error budget, which is used to manage active disturbances to meet demanding tracking performance requirements. The vibration budget is based on tracking simulation results combined with contributions from different jitter and vibration sources such as drives, utility wraps, cabinets, and many other subsystems. The Mount Transfer Function (MTF) concept as an important tool for analysis of vibration paths from the source to the image motion is introduced and its application in several use cases with both modeled and measured disturbances is illustrated.