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Table Performance Calculator

Calculate optical table static deflection, dynamic deflection coefficient (DDC), and worst-case relative motion.

Optical table performance is characterized by two independent properties: static deflection under point loads, and dynamic relative motion under ambient floor vibration. This calculator addresses both. In static mode it computes bending and shear deflection for a honeycomb table supported at Bessel points (L_eff = 0.56L), accounting for skin material, skin thickness, honeycomb core shear modulus, and applied load — relevant when mounting heavy equipment near table center. In dynamic mode it computes the dynamic deflection coefficient (DDC = √(Q/f_n³)) and estimates worst-case relative motion (RM = √(π/2) · DDC · √(W_a) · T) given a table first resonance frequency, amplification factor Q, floor acceleration spectral density W_a from a library of standard environments (quiet lab through heavy manufacturing), and isolator transmissibility T. The relative motion result includes an application suitability rating from sub-nm interferometry through general optical work.

Static Deflection
Cross-Section Properties
Second moment of area (I)
2.679e-4m⁴
Deflection
Bending deflection
0.9260µm
Shear deflection
0.2657µm
Total deflection
1.192µm
Dominant term
Bending
Abridged Optics — Table Performance Calculator v1.0Static: assumes Bessel point support (L_eff = 0.56L). Dynamic: RM = √(π/2) × DDC × √(W_a) × T.

All information, equations, and calculations have been compiled and verified to the best of our ability. For mission-critical applications, we recommend independent verification of all values. If you find an error, please let us know.