16.02.2021 Donor dome dimensions.

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Tuesday. Becoming milder at last! 35F= +2C! Lots more snow clearing after yesterday's 2" fall with light drifting. The snow has already turned from light and fluffy to damp, heavier and sticky.

I just found the manufacturer's drawing online. Showing the dimensions of the Agritech "Spheribox" calf shelter dome. The images show both the white and green colour options.

Diameter = 4.3m  Height = 2.18m  So, circumference = ~13.5m 

13.5/2 = 6.75m = half circumference measured over the top of the dome.

So the maximum segment [arc] width = 6.75/3 = ~2.25m.

Arched doorway width = 2.8m Height = 1.32m  Full circumference = ~8.8m. Half circumference =  8.8/2 = 4.4.

So each segment [arc] width at the edge of the door opening = 4.4/3 =~1.46m.

Even assuming these are approximate dimensions there is ample room for cutting the observation slit 1m wide. One slight complication is the overlaps at the edges of the top segment to ensure rain run-off. These should not cause any problems. Being too narrow to use up much segment width.

Careful examination of the images online show that the three segments/panels are all but identical in width. Any edge reinforcement where the dome rests on the ground remains unknown. 

The remaining, cutaway, slit material can be used to close off the arched doorway outboard of the closed shutters. As can the remains of the second, shutter donor [roof] material.

An observatory dome could be built with vertical facets. The three segments would each have to be cut in half at their equators. To form the new base. This would take much more work. The hole at the top [from the arched doorway] would need to be properly closed off. Probably requiring the purchase of several, extra dome segments. To obtain enough, matching material to build an entire, new "north pole." Minus the slit. This could be done but I really can't see the point. Just to have more traditional, vertical facets. While hoping to look more like pretend, narrow gores.

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