A contribution for the construction of parabolic mirrors

Abstract

We present a new procedure for the construction of parabolic mirrors using low cost materials. We built a spinning system composed of nylon threads, fish hooks and a plastic bucket. We pour liquid plaster into the bucket and set it in constant rotational motion relative to the Earth. A liquid substance assumes a parabolic profile when spinning at constant angular velocity relative to an inertial frame under the influence of a uniform vertical gravitational field. By keeping the bucket under rotation for a long time, the plaster solidifies into a parabolic format. We utilize this solidified plaster paraboloid as a model to construct a counter-mould of fiber glass and resin. Over this counter-mould it is placed stretched laminated foil and then it is poured thick plaster over it. In this way it is obtained a parabolic mirror made of laminated foil and plaster. Our only objective here is to present a new method for the construction of parabolic mirror using low cost materials. This allows further exploration of this procedure by teachers and students either in High-Schools or in Universities.