Procedures for the limited number of deep water tests were similar 

 but the work platform was not anchored. Instead, marker buoys were 

 dropped prior to the test. When the anchor assembly reached the seafloor 

 the ship attempted to maintain position with respect to the buoys to 

 keep from dragging the anchor or tipping it prior to embedment. Power 

 for the deep water tests was supplied by the battery power pack contained 

 with the support guidance frame. One other important step was followed 

 in the deep water tests. The proximity of the vibratory anchor to the 

 bottom was monitored by the ship's precision depth recorder unit as the 

 anchor was being lowered. Once the anchor was on the seafloor, the 

 functioning of the vibrator was monitored with the same equipment. 



Test Results 



The most noteworthy events of the test program to date are 

 reviewed as follows: 



Operation I - Long Beach Harbor, harbor soil. Two tests were 

 conducted by OSE to demonstrate the vibratory anchor's operating 

 capability as required by the contract. The operation was conducted 

 in Long Beach Harbor at a water depth of 33 feet. 



For the first test, the fluke was welded to maintain the penetrating 

 position during breakout. Sixteen feet of embedment was achieved with 

 nine minutes of vibrator operation. A peak line tension of 15,000 pounds 

 was measured during breakout of the anchor with the fluke fixed in the 

 penetrating position. The second test was performed with the fluke 

 rigged for normal operation. Twelve feet of penetration was achieved 

 with 25 minutes of vibrator operation. A line tension of 36,000 pounds 

 was applied to the anchor and maintained for one hour and forty-five 

 minutes. Later, a peak line tension of 62,000 pounds was applied to 

 the anchor. The anchor was eventually recovered by water jetting 

 around the anchor so that the winch could pull the anchor free. 



Operation II - Santa Catalina Island, sand . One penetration test 

 was conducted by OSE to demonstrate the anchor's ability to perform 

 satisfactorily in sandy seafloors. The operation was conducted at 

 Emerald Bay at Santa Catalina Island in shallow water from a small 

 chartered power boat that did not have the capability to apply large 

 test loads. 



Several drop tests were performed prior to the penetration test 

 to check the anchor's stability when striking the seafloor, and to test 

 the motor starting mechanism and the drop release mechanism. These 

 features checked out satisfactorily. After completing this phase, the 

 anchor was readied for the penetration test. Sixteen feet of embedment 

 was achieved in two minutes of vibrator operation. No holding capacity 

 test was performed; divers freed the anchor from the bottom with a high 

 pressure water jet. 



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