Ice-sheet failure against inclined and conical surfaces

Ice-sheet/structure interation models were prepared and analyzed numerically. The study covers parameters to analyze displacement boundaries, the effects of sharp forward ridges, artificially induced cracks, etc. These variables are difficult and costly to incorporate into experimental work.The floating ice-sheet was studied as a large, rectangular, continuous plate supported by springs (equivalent buoyancy). The plate was held at the far edge and a displacement boundary condition applied at the middle of the near edge. The displacement condition is that of the contact surface edge geometry of an offshore or ship structure.The models were analyzed using finite element techniques. Nonlinear material property and geometry effects were also considered. The resulting force, stress and displacement patterns indicate that a modified geometry of structure will produce smaller forces to break up the ice, especially when coupled with radial precuts in strategic locations. Results show good agreement with the experimental data obtained by Frederking and Timco (Proc. 4th International Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering Symposium, ASME, Dallas, pp. 160-169, 1985). The analytical expressions available to predict floating ice loads on structures can be verified and re-evaluated by extending present work.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26897/1/0000463.pd