Introduction to the U.S. Navy Arctic Laboratory

Abstract

Distinctive research and test facilities exist at the US. Navy's Arctic Submarine Laboratory, San Diego, CA. These facilities include the unique Arctic Experimental Pool, sea ice model basin, large entry cold chamber, dry cold laboratories, various pressure chambers, and seawater pond along with supporting facilities. The unique Arctic Experimental Pool holds approximately 950 cum of seawater (pumped from the Pacific Ocean). The air temperature can be held as low as -60 deg C and sea ice up to a thickness pf 5 feet can be grown while controlling the salinity and air content of the water. The sea ice model basin can be sustained at -20 deg C and filled with fresh water, seawater, or 'doped' water. The sea ice model basin has a towing carriage above the surface and a towing aled on the bottom of the pool. The special features of the unique facilities are discussed as well as the complete details of all of the facilities. These facilities were built following the end of World War II to study the many problems associated with with working or operating in sea ice and/or low-air temperatures. The first major results of tests in the facilities include development of the snorkel spray ring for the induction masts of submarines and initial ice-breaker model tests that contributed to the design of the US. Polar class. The facilities have been refurbished recently and are available for conducting research experiments and engineering testing.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA265103

Entities

People

  • C. A. Wales

Organizations

  • Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Temperature
  • Chlorides
  • Engineering
  • Fresh Water
  • Glaciers
  • Ice
  • Model Basins
  • Model Tests
  • Navy
  • Ocean Surveillance
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Remotely Piloted Vehicles
  • Sea Ice
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Test Equipment
  • Test Facilities
  • Water

Readers

  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Polar and Arctic Studies
  • Research Science/Academic Research