Experimental and numerical hydrodynamic study of submerged ice collision

Abstract

Most of the research done on ice-structure interaction to date deals with the ice at the sea surface. However the majority of ice strengthened regions of ships and offshore structures are well below the waterline. The aim of this research is to examine the mechanics of ice loads caused by submerged ice blocks colliding with the structure. The kinematics of this process is an essential determinant of the energy that is available to drive the ice crushing process during the collision. The present research aims to develop a model to represent the mechanics of such collisions and set a direction for future work. This study includes experimental and numerical components. Various physical experiments have been conducted using a submerged ice model moving solely due to its buoyancy. Using a high speed camera, the experiments are recorded and analysed to determine the kinematics of collision. These include location, velocity and acceleration of the model ice as a function of time. In parallel, numerical simulations have being conducted using FLOW3D™ software. The results of the experiments are used to validate the numerical model of the underwater collision.