Investigation of the ice cutting process by the rotary drill

An experimental stand for investigation of the ice cutting process by the rotary drill is described. Experiments were carried out at the glaciological station at Vavilov Glacier (Severnaya Zemya), using a KEMS-112 electromechanical ice core drill. The correlation between the main factors : torque, drilling pressure, specific energy of ice rupture, penetration rate, and design of cutters, was determined. Recommendations for the choice of the cutter geometrical characteristics and the optimum penetration rate are given.