METHOD AND DEVICE FOR WEAKENING STRENGTH OF ICE COVER OR BREAKING ICE COVER Russian patent published in 1996 - IPC

FIELD: underwater sea technology; creation of submersible water craft for operation in regions where stable ice cover is likely to be present. SUBSTANCE: device for weakening or breaking ice cover is made in form of punch which possesses positive residual buoyancy; punch is launched from water craft and is accelerated under action of buoyant force to such speed which is adequate for accumulation of kinetic energy required for weakening or breaking the ice cover. Punch is made in form of streamlined body of revolution with hollow nontight housing in strengthened head portion. Provided in lower (tail) portion of housing is hole for receiving the compressed gas supply branch pipe carried on water craft. Provided in lower section of head portion of punch over perimeter of cross-section in plating of housing are holes for escape of gas expanding in floating up. Holes are closed from inside with common manifold from which gas collecting pipes run to lower portion of punch hollow housing. Expanding gas escaping from holes in punch housing forms gas lubricant, thus reducing resistance of floating punch and increasing speed of its motion. Drain hole of device is provided with float valve. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency and reliability, low cost, ecological safety. 3 cl, 4 dwg