Model Tests on "Kulluk" in Ice Conditions

The demand of oil and gas within the past few years has been developing exponentially. Along with this high demand, resource depletion is beginning to occur, causing the raising of market prices. This has enabled companies to begin production in areas that until recently were not economically possible. The industry has been undergoing extensive development because of this, constructing offshore platforms that have the ability to operate in ice-infested waters. Until now little knowledge has been collected on the dynamics of the ice forces against the platform. The purpose of this project was to gain knowledge of the dynamics of the ice forces against a platform. This report outlines the set-up, procedures and background knowledge.NRC publication: Ye