Simulation of ship-ice collision dynamics: ice interface modeling considerations

A time-domain simulation of collisions between icebreaking ships and multiyear ice is described. The model, ITHACA SHIP, considers the transient shipice interaction and fluid-structure phenomena as strongly coupled through ship dynamics. The present paper discusses the modeling of ice forces. It examines the requirement for exactly satisfying the kinematic boundary conditions on the ice interface; including progressively more detailed representations of the interaction. Results are compared with MV Arctic physical model tests and full scale trials' data. Hullgirder stresses at open water impact speeds are predicted.