Experimental Study of a Recirculating Water Jet ice Drill

A need has been stated for oceanographic measurements made through the ice cover by an unmanned, microcomputer controlled air deployed system. A novel ice drilling concept has been identified to provide a highly efficient means of penetrating ice surfaces up to 15m thick with a 15cm diameter hole. In support of a computer program modeling the drilling process, a series of full scale tests were performed to verify heat transfer, power, and energy, and drilling rate relationships. Results of the test program indicate that the recirculating water jet drilling concept does provide an improved means for efficiently penetrating ice surfaces, is well suited for computer control and accommodates air deployment.