Analytical Model for Ice-Structure Interaction

In an effort to predict ice-structure interaction, a simple mechanism is proposed. The structure is represented by a spring-mass system and the ice is replaced by a succession of elastic-brittle elements which impinge on the structure at a rate determined by the relative motion between the ice and the structure. A computer program is used to solve for the dynamic response of the structure. A number of test cases and variations have been solved, and the results compared with limited laboratory and field measurements that are available. Interesting agreement has been obtained with observed behavior at various ice velocities. It is believed that the present approach can be used to determine reasonably well the response of a structure to an impinging ice sheet.