Torque and machinery dynamics are recorded. Sensors show rudder angle and the ice load in order to determine how the rudder was loaded by the ice. Ship structure is instrumented with strain gauges placed directly onto the Healy's frame to essentially measure the load. In the Healy trafficability studies, the ship is assessed in terms of ice performance from all points of view. This data is recorded every half hour.
Tomorrow look for part two of trafficability.
Today has been a day of backing and ramming of ice up to easily two meters in depth. Pauses of near quiet, gentle backing and then the upsurge of speed and vibrations that can make even typing challenging. At this moment we are very comfortably cruising through an ice floe of around two feet deep. As the Healy continues north, the ship must pass through a significant distance of difficult traversing. Alex suggests the need for Naval Architects specializing in Ice Technology and recommends the U. of Michigan.