Ice Tank

Description: rectangular tank 90m (295 ft) in length, 12m (39 ft) in width and 3m (10 ft) in depth, models are towed, self-propelled or moored in a simulated Arctic environment, video cameras are mounted on an underwater carriage and above the water line.

Ice Tank Play Video Free video player

Carriage: single manned carriage with a 4 wheel synchronous motor drive, test frame adjustable for model size, 80,000 kg mass, 745 kW of power, speed range of .0002 m/s - 4.0 m/s.

Refrigeration: ammonia-based system, 26 evaporators, computerized temperature control, temp. range -30°C to +15°C, ice growth 3.0mm/hr @ -25°C.

Test Ice: formulation NRC EG/AD/S, strength range 10 to 120 kPa flexural, thickness range 10 to 150mm.

Model Size: ship models 2-12m in length, offshore structures 0.5-4m diameter.

Instrumentation: force measurement, strain gauge load cells, model motions, accelerometer arrays.

Data Acquisition: A VMS and Windows NT based distributed client/server system using one or more IOtech DagBoards, each with 256 channel capability at 100 kHz aggregate.

Tests Performed:
(1) ship resistance, ship self-propulsion and manoeuvering in ice.
(2) ice forces on moored and fixed structures.
(3) offshore simulation.

Schematic Diagrams (click to expand)