Use of climatic cold in scientific research

Abstract

A review of scientific research data on the use of climatic cold carried out on the basis of institutes of the Federal research center «Yakut Scientific Center» Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science is presented, natural low temperatures being used both as testing conditions and as a tool for experimental studies. The results of full-scale hydraulic tests of pressure vessels and pipes under conditions of low climatic temperatures, and under internal pressure created due to the effect of ice formation in closed cavities are presented. The results made it possible to determine the limit states of large-diameter pipelines, simulate the stress-strain state of the pipeline in thawed, freezing and frozen soils, substantiate the extension of the lifetime of pressure vessels, develop a technology for their welding, and determine the allowable size of defects in welded joints. It is shown that climatic tests of polymer, composite, construction, welding and other classes of materials provide for estimation of their service life under the impact of climatic factors. An experimental study of the response of solids to multiple collisions with ice granules at low climatic temperatures has been carried out along with the study of the processes of brittle fracture of their surface with the formation of splintery particles. Study of the effect of fibrous fillers of natural origin on the strength properties of fresh-ice based composition material revealed that introduction of fillers increases the strength characteristics of fresh ice by 2 – 3 times. It is shown that climatic features and a significant scientific potential of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic provide for effective use of climatic cold as a tool for scientific research and solution of engineering problems in various sectors of the national economy.