Subterrene
Encyclopedia
A Subterrene is a type of tunneling machine, similar to that of a Tunnel Boring Machine
Tunnel boring machine
A tunnel boring machine also known as a "mole", is a machine used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section through a variety of soil and rock strata. They can bore through anything from hard rock to sand. Tunnel diameters can range from a metre to almost 16 metres to date...

 (TBM). A subterrene works by utilizing forward pressure and massive amounts of heat to push through rock. The front of the machine is equipped with a stationary drill tip which is kept between to 1300–1700 °F (704.4–926.7 C). The molten rock leftover from drilling is immediately turned into a glass-like material and coats the inner diameter of the tunnel, creating an initial tunnel liner. Massive amounts of energy are required to heat the drill head, which is supplied via nuclear power or electricity. All of this is in stark contrast to traditional TBMs, which grind away at rock instead, however the results are similar. Patents issued in the 1970s indicate that US scientists had planned on utilizing nuclear power to liquefy lithium metal and circulate it to the front of the machine (drill).. Soviet Union also have been known to have a military program dedicated to the creation of subterrenes. It was called "Battle Mole"("Boyevoy Krot" in Russian). The prototype has been produced and successfully tested until its nuclear reactor blew out.

Advantages

  • In theory, tunnels can be built much more cheaply and much more quickly because of their reduced complexity, equipment costs and operational overhead.
  • A smooth glass-lined tunnel wall is created as a result of the process. This can further reduce costs and provides an insulated barrier and basic support structure.

Disadvantages

  • These machines inherently use a very large amount of energy.
  • Unknown safety and performance records.

External links

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