To solve the problem, we need to find the value of \( h \) where the normals at points \( A_1, A_2, A_3 \) on the parabola \( y^2 = 8x \) meet at the point \( (h, 0) \). The points \( A_1, A_2, A_3 \) form an equilateral triangle.
### Step 1: Identify the points on the parabola
The parabola \( y^2 = 8x \) can be rewritten in the standard form \( y^2 = 4Ax \) where \( A = 2 \). The parametric coordinates of points on the parabola can be expressed as:
\[
A_i = (2t_i^2, 4t_i) \quad \text{for } i = 1, 2, 3
\]
### Step 2: Determine the angles for the equilateral triangle
Since \( A_1, A_2, A_3 \) form an equilateral triangle, the angles between the normals at these points will be \( 60^\circ \). The angles can be represented in radians as \( \frac{\pi}{3} \).
### Step 3: Find the slopes of the normals
The slope of the tangent to the parabola at point \( A_i \) is given by the derivative:
\[
\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{4}{2t_i} = \frac{2}{t_i}
\]
Thus, the slope of the normal at \( A_i \) is:
\[
-\frac{t_i}{2}
\]
### Step 4: Write the equations of the normals
The equation of the normal at point \( A_i \) can be written as:
\[
y - 4t_i = -\frac{t_i}{2}(x - 2t_i^2)
\]
Rearranging gives:
\[
y = -\frac{t_i}{2}x + 4t_i + t_i^3
\]
### Step 5: Substitute \( (h, 0) \) into the normal equations
Since all normals meet at \( (h, 0) \), we can substitute \( y = 0 \) into the normal equations:
\[
0 = -\frac{t_i}{2}h + 4t_i + 2t_i^3
\]
This simplifies to:
\[
\frac{t_i}{2}h = 4t_i + 2t_i^3
\]
Dividing by \( t_i \) (assuming \( t_i \neq 0 \)):
\[
\frac{h}{2} = 4 + 2t_i^2
\]
Thus,
\[
h = 8 + 4t_i^2
\]
### Step 6: Find the value of \( t_i \)
Since the points are symmetric and form an equilateral triangle, we can assume \( t_1 = 2\sqrt{3} \) (as derived from the angle considerations). Therefore, substituting \( t_i = 2\sqrt{3} \) into the equation gives:
\[
h = 8 + 4(2\sqrt{3})^2
\]
Calculating \( (2\sqrt{3})^2 = 4 \cdot 3 = 12 \):
\[
h = 8 + 4 \cdot 12 = 8 + 48 = 56
\]
### Final Answer
Thus, the value of \( h \) is:
\[
\boxed{56}
\]