A Computer-Based Simulation of Ice-Breaking by Impact

Abstract

A computer simulation is developed for investigating ice-breaking by impulsive loading based on a specially developed finite element code. The computer program is capable of dealing with the multitude of complex conditions encountered in simulating ice-breaking. It is able to simulate stress, strain and axisymmetric states under different dynamic loadings such as stress waves generated by explosives, time-dependent forces and displacements, or stresses produced by impact. Moreover, the code is capable of handling different types of materials, in order to idealize the interaction between layers of ice with different properties and between ice and water. Different theories of fracture are included to facilitate the adoption of the program to the simulation of various types of ice. The simulation is utilized to develop dimensionless relationships for predicting the necessary conditions for ice-breaking by impact.