Accession Number:

ADA289955

Title:

Rapid Thermal Ice Penetration: Feasibility Study for an 'A' Size Sensor.

Descriptive Note:

Research rept.,

Corporate Author:

OCEAN SYSTEMS RESEARCH INC ANNAPOLIS MD

Personal Author(s):

• Anderson, James K.
• Tzou, Kent T.
• Chen, Ching-Jen

Report Date:

1990-11-16

Pagination or Media Count:

115.0

Abstract:

Ocean Systems Research, Inc. has developed a Rapid Thermal Ice penetrator patent pending with a demonstrated capability to penetrate thick Arctic ice at rates in excess of 6 feet per minute. This report addresses research and testing performed to determine the feasibility of the concept for rapid delivery of A size 4 78 inch environmental sensors through 10 feet of ice under 2 minutes. Two prototype A size penetrators were built and successfully tested. A prototype autonomous uprighting device was also built and tested. An analytical model was also developed to provide the capability to predict the affect of various parameters such as payload diameter, weight, etc. on penetrator performance. Three additional payload sizes were evaluated, those being 10, 14, and 21 inch diameters. MM

Descriptors:

• *ENGINES
• *DRILLS
• *ICE PENETRATION
• THERMAL PROPERTIES
• MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• THICKNESS
• PAYLOAD
• CRACKS
• PROPELLANTS
• PENETRATION
• FEASIBILITY STUDIES
• MELTING
• THERMOCOUPLES
• SOLID PROPELLANT ROCKET ENGINES
• SEA ICE
• ARCTIC REGIONS
• PATENTS
• GAS GENERATOR ENGINES

Subject Categories:

• Snow, Ice and Permafrost
• Machinery and Tools

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE