Research on the Effect of Crucial Parameters on Ice Borehole Deformations Using a Proposed Computation Model

Abstract

This paper proposes a model for determining deformation in the upper 50% of an ice borehole. Based on this model, the borehole deformation of DK-1 at Dome A was studied. Furthermore, the effects of surface temperature, temperature gradient, surface snow density, and drilling fluid density on borehole deformation were investigated. The results showed that borehole shrinking, expansion, and mixed existence occurred simultaneously in DK-1. Borehole deformation increased with increasing surface temperature, while temperature gradient had a minimal effect. Borehole deformation also increased with increasing surface snow density and decreasing drilling fluid density when the borehole shrank; however, the situation was reversed when the borehole expanded. The influence of ice temperature was dominant in deformation. However, when depth exceeded 1200 m, the sensitivity of ice borehole deformation in the direction of the minimum principal stress increased with an increase in drilling fluid density. This study provides meaningful guidance for polar-drilling engineering.