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The keyword here is "focus": a spherical surface like this does not focus sun rays, you need a parabolic surface for that. While it would be possible to shape a
by teo_zero 3y ago
The keyword here is "focus": a spherical surface like this does not focus sun rays, you need a parabolic surface for that. While it would be possible to shape a film or another foldable material into a parabolic profile playing with air pressure and a specially crafted frame, I wonder what would be the advantage over a rigid parabolic mirror. The foldable/inflatable part is only an advantage for aerospace applications where size and weight are at premium.
- eternauta3k 3y agoA balloon is not necessarily spherical, see e.g. the long balloons for making balloon animals.